In a world that claims to champion equality, why does
ensuring a woman’s safety still elude us? Despite progress, women continue to
navigate a society that remains perilously unsafe. In India, a country with a
rich cultural heritage and democratic values, a woman is reportedly raped every
16 minutes (National Crime Records Bureau, NCRB, 2019). This raises a critical
question: Is women’s safety genuinely a priority, or are we merely paying lip
service while ignoring the pervasive threats they face?
The
Hypocrisy of Public Safety Promises
Governments and policymakers frequently
declare their commitment to public safety, but where are the tangible results?
Despite the outrage over the 2012 Delhi gang rape, crimes against women
continue to rise, with over 400,000 cases reported in 2019 alone (NCRB, 2019).
Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have seen a surge in molestation and
harassment cases despite increased police patrols (The Times of India, 2023).
This inconsistency between promises and outcomes reveals deep-rooted issues in
our public safety systems.
A recent brutal incident in a prominent
Indian city exposed the fragility of these safety promises. While new measures,
such as installing CCTV cameras and increasing police presence, were
implemented after high-profile cases, tragedies persist. This ongoing issue
underscores the need to address the systemic challenges women face daily.
According to Dr. Rukmini Rao, a women’s rights activist, “The disconnect
between promises made by authorities and reality is stark. Safety measures are
inadequate if they don’t address the root causes of violence” (The Hindu, July
2024).
A Global Perspective on Women’s Safety
The alarming trends observed in India are mirrored
globally. The United Nations reports that 1 in 3 women worldwide have
experienced physical or sexual violence (UN Women, 2020). Even countries with
robust legal systems, such as the United States, struggle with inadequate
justice for sexual violence, with only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators of
sexual assault ending up in prison (RAINN, 2023). This global context
highlights that the issue of women’s safety is not confined to any single
nation but is a pervasive problem that requires a unified approach to address
effectively.
Laws:
Protection or Empty Words?
Legislation is often heralded as a solution to gender-based
violence, but its effectiveness is questionable. In India, the Criminal Law
(Amendment) Act, 2013, aimed to tackle sexual violence with stricter penalties.
Yet, the conviction rate for rape remains low at around 27% (NCRB, 2020). Dr.
Anju Sharma, a legal expert, observes, “While the intention behind stringent
laws is commendable, enforcement remains a challenge. Delays and societal
biases undermine these laws” (The Indian Express, June 2024). This highlights a
critical gap between legal provisions and their practical implementation.
Cultural
Complicity in Women’s Insecurity
Our society perpetuates a culture that excuses and even
encourages the violation of women’s rights. Victim-blaming is not just a
symptom but a tool used to silence women. In India, 57% of men believe women
should tolerate violence to maintain family harmony (ICRW, 2020). Dr. Suman
Singh, a sociologist, notes, “Such attitudes reflect a disturbing acceptance of
violence as a norm, making it difficult for women to seek justice” (The Times
of India, May 2024). This cultural acceptance of violence necessitates a
broader societal change.
The Media’s
Role in Perpetuating Danger
Media and popular culture often glamorize behaviours that
contribute to a dangerous environment for women. Bollywood has faced criticism
for its portrayal of women, frequently glorifying stalking and toxic
masculinity (The Wire, 2022). Research from the Geena Davis Institute shows
that women are significantly underrepresented in key creative roles,
perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes (Geena Davis Institute, 2021). Dr. Ravi
Patel, a media critic, observes, “By normalizing violence and disrespect towards
women, the media contributes to a culture where such behaviours are tolerated”
(The Indian Express, March 2024). This underscores the need for media reform to
challenge harmful portrayals.
Proposing
Solutions for Effective Change
To address these critical issues, a multi-faceted approach
is required. Effective solutions could include:
•
Strengthening Law: Enforcement: Improving the
implementation of existing laws through better training for law enforcement,
reducing delays in legal proceedings, and enhancing victim support services.
•
Promoting Cultural Change: Implementing
educational initiatives that challenge gender norms and violence from a young
age, and supporting campaigns that shift cultural attitudes towards women.
•
Advancing Media Reform: Encouraging responsible
media practices that avoid sensationalism and support positive portrayals of
women. Increasing female representation in media decision-making roles can also
help counteract harmful stereotypes.
The
Ultimate Question: Are We Ready to Change?
It’s time for a critical reflection on our commitment to
ensuring women’s safety. The era of superficial promises and inadequate
measures must end. We need to hold our leaders, institutions, and ourselves
accountable. Women’s safety should be upheld as a fundamental right, not a
negotiable privilege.
We are at a
crossroads: will we continue to accept the status quo, or will we rise to the
challenge and demand real change? The potential for transformation is within
reach, but it requires action from all of us. Now is the time to stand up,
speak out, and make a tangible difference. If not now, when? And if not us,
who?
(Views are personal. Email: susmitas57@yahoo.com)
