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2. Paraphrase the following passage.

Women
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
The chairperson spoke for almost an hour. In his speech, he blamed us, the
women of Gao Village, for laziness and added that we are a burden to the
nation. He went on saying that we waste most of our time plaiting our hair.
However, he said nothing against the men of Gao. When he was about to
close the meeting, I raised my hand. He said, “Yes, young lady,” pointing
at me. “You are being unfair to women,” I said, shaking with anger. A
few men laughed. There were also some low voices of laughter from the
women. “I’m not,” the Chairperson said proudly. “Yes, you are!” I said
and continued, “You have never said anything against your fellow men.”
“Why should I? They work hard, don’t they?” He asked. “No, they don’t.”
I went on. “It’s the women who work harder in this village. Most men only
eat, drink and beat us for no reason.”
An old woman nearby commented that I behaved like a man. However, I
did not care about what she had said. I continued. “Listen! Everybody has
the right to speak, regardless of their gender.” I said angrily. “That thought
is nonsense. Those ideas can’t work here, young lady,” a thin, bald man
with a scar on his face shouted at me.

“Why not? Listen, I’m talking about equality in the village. Treat men
and women equally. Why should women be humiliated and oppressed?”
I insisted. “A woman cannot be the same as a man. Young lady, say
something sensible; otherwise, sit down and shut your mouth.” The
Chairperson roared. “I don’t understand what is so special about men. Is
there anything wrong with women?” I asked. “That is an insult,” one grey-
haired old man commented, after which he stood up and left the meeting.
“Close the meeting, Mr Chairperson”, shouted another old man. He looked
at me as if I were Judas!
“Listen, Mr Chairperson. That behaviour of looking down on women
should be stopped. It is the women who…” “You better sit down,” the
Chairperson cut me short. “I shall not,” I shouted. “Are women inferior?
Are they not as strong as men? Are they your slaves? In fact, without
women, you would have perished.” I blustered and then sat down. Almost
all eyes turned to me with surprise.

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