ಪೆಣ್ಣು ಪೆಣ್ಣೆಂದೇತಕೆ ಬೀಳುಗಳೆವರು?
ಕಣ್ಣು ಕಾಣದ ಗಾವಿಲರು!
ಪೆಣ್ಣಲ್ಲವೇ ನಮ್ಮನೆಲ್ಲ ಪಡೆದ ತಾಯಿ?
Pennu pennendethake beelugalevaru?
Kannu kaanada gaavilaru!
Pennallave nammanella padeda taayi?
Why do people look down upon a woman with such contempt? They are blind fools who cannot see! Is not a woman the mother who gave birth to us all?
Sanchi Honnamma (ಸಂಚಿ ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮ), 17th-century Kannada poetry
Why I keep it
While this reflects the reality of many cultures, it is a reminder for us to pause and reflect the strength and power of women. I find it impressive how this 17th century Kannada poem addresses gender equality and the dignity of women.