Sexual Harassment: A Social Injustice

 

In India, a woman is sexually harassed every twelve minutes says NCRB statistics.

Every single day, we're bombarded with distressing news of assaults, especially against women, on various digital platforms. It's a sad truth that many women in India, myself included, don't feel safe even when stepping out during broad daylight. Why is it so hard for us to feel at home in our own country? On one side, India is making strides towards progress, but on the other, politicians make statements that seem to deprive women of their basic rights, like studying in the evening. Shouldn't it be the government's responsibility to protect the women of our nation?

Despite the withdrawal of the case, the troubling question remains: why did such a statement originate from the government? Shouldn't it be their duty to safeguard the women of their nation?

Looking at the CRB Report 2021 released in August 2022, it's alarming to see a 15.3 percent increase in crimes against women from the previous year. The statistics show a worrying trend, with incidents rising from 56.5 percent in 2020 to 64.5 percent in 2021 per 1 lakh population. In 2022 alone, the National Commission for Women received nearly 31,000 complaints, marking the highest since 2014.

A recent incident in March only adds to this distressing reality. A Spanish vlogger and her Brazilian partner shared their horrifying experience of being gang-raped by seven men in Jharkhand while on a biking trip across India. The viral post sparked outrage worldwide, raising serious questions about the safety of women in India. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram flooded with stories of women sharing their own frightening encounters while traveling alone in the country. And again, IT HAPPENED WITHOUT CONSENT!

This is just one of the cases of hundreds and thousands of cases occurring on a daily basis in India. 

We discuss the concept of "Atithi devo bhava" and offer prayers to goddess Kali and Saraswati. However, it is disheartening to see how we still mistreat our women with utter disrespect. 

Despite the government's rhetoric about empowering women (Nari Shakti), actions speak louder than words. It's disheartening to see the lack of concrete steps taken, especially in ensuring the safety of women. Do we need to endure prolonged waits for justice, akin to the Hathras and Nirbhaya cases? Why does it seem like the government turns a blind eye to atrocities against women?

In the face of such challenges, it's crucial for the government to tighten regulations and mobilize society to foster respect for women. It's high time for them to match their slogans like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" with meaningful actions towards women's safety. There are countless feminists and women activists tirelessly fighting for women's rights, but it's time for the government to step up and make meaningful changes. After 76 years of independence, freedom shouldn't be this elusive for women.