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)