The Mother, The Wife, The Sister, The Daughter, avatars of female species of the human creed in our society even today faces challenges on her safety and security.
The very fact, that 67 years of independence and democracy past us…the existence of this social anomaly is a matter of utter disgrace and shame.
Newspapers of the day are filled with reports of minor girls being raped and hanged and College going girls facing acid attacks. But beyond the reach of the media there exist, millions of women who live in the dark shades of the society, facing physical, mental, psychological exploitation on a daily basis.
Ours has traditionally been a patriarchal society. Men have always asserted their superiority in all forms of life virtually denying opportunity to the women. Gender Inequality Index of India is a dismal 132 according to the UN. We live in a country that has been largely unfair to the women.
We need to protect our women from violence, both intra-household and extra-house hold. The acts
of rape, molestation and physical assault need to be met with quick and effective action both from
the police and judicial systems.
The strong Anti-Rape Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013 in the wake of the Delhi rape case is a welcome move.Women are tortured in the name of dowry. They are harassed day and night within the four walls of the household. Marital rape and physical violence on women by husbands and relatives usually go unreported. Beyond these, women face exploitation in their fields of work. From domestic helps to defence officers, working women have had to face the cruel faces of male dominance.
The
legislature has brought about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at
Workplace Act 2013 And Protection of Women against Domestic Violence
Act 2006. We therefore do not lack strong laws and rules in this country to
keep our women safe.
Then why do we see the numbers of such incidents going up?!!
Who is to be blamed?!
The society as a whole should take collective responsibility. Education and awareness about human rights of women should be imparted to everyone. Men should stop treating their wives like assets or slaves. Women should be confident enough to speak out and claim well-being as their birth right. They should now learn to be self-dependant. There is nothing wrong in young girls learning techniques and skills to defend themselves in the worst situations. The school curriculums should include physical defence training modules in martial arts to help children both men and women to be
confident about their own safety.
Safety of our mothers and daughters is a collective responsibility that we cannot afford to ignore.
Women Empowerment should not just remain a catch phrase in political speeches and government
policy papers but be visibly implemented in the society.
According to a survey in 2005, Kerala and North Eastern states reports lower risk of domestic
violence on its women. A reason pointed out is the significantly higher proportion of immovable
property owned by women. Control and ownership of property often guarantees wider access to
economic, social and political security.
May be its time, be the whole country should get inspired and follow their footsteps. Safety of women would automatically be assured in a more inclusive society. Perhaps we could start
with more representation of women in legislative bodies, parliament, administration and the police.
In this regard, Reservation for women, if needed must be implemented.
Today we need a revolution!
A change in mind set,
A will, to guarantee our women their free right to life, without fear for safety.
As a young man I am committed for the cause, and so should we all be.So let’s work, hand in hand, and keep the hope high that like our Prime Minister says...
“ACHE DIN AANE WALE HAI”
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