Talking Points
Despite the presence of CCTVs, Nirbhaya guidelines, and
various legal acts, these measures will be ineffective unless boys are taught
from a young age about respect for women and the distinction between right and
wrong.
The safety of girls in India remains a significant concern
despite various legal frameworks and initiatives aimed at their protection. The
situation is complex, and while there have been improvements in certain areas,
challenges persist, making safety a pressing issue. Sexual violence against
minors, including rape, molestation, and sexual harassment, remains alarmingly
high. Many cases go unreported due to social stigma, fear of retribution, and
lack of awareness about legal rights. Recent incidents of child abuse in India,
such as the case in Badlapur, highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of
minors, particularly young girls.
In Badlapur, two kindergarten girls, aged three and four,
were allegedly sexually assaulted by a male school attendant recently. The
incident sparked widespread outrage among parents and the local community,
leading to protests, including a 10-hour blockade of railway tracks. The
accused was arrested and has been remanded to judicial custody. In response,
the Maharashtra government has initiated several measures, including the
suspension of school staff and police officers and the formation of a special
investigation team to ensure a thorough probe. The case has also led to calls
for stricter safety protocols in schools to protect children from such heinous
acts.
Judges from the Bombay High Court emphasized that laws alone
won't curb sexual crimes without a fundamental shift in mindset from an early
age. In light of a recent case involving the sexual assault of two preschool
girls in Balapur, the judges pointed out that societal issues like male
chauvinism and dominance persist in the public consciousness. Educating
children about equality at home and in schools is crucial. Despite the presence
of CCTVs, Nirbhaya guidelines, and various legal acts, these measures will be
ineffective unless boys are taught from a young age about respect for women and
the distinction between right and wrong. Instilling these values in children
should begin in preschool.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act
2012 provides punishment for sexual offenses against children. However, the
effectiveness of this law is often hindered by delayed justice, poor
implementation, and victim-blaming attitudes. Minor girls are particularly
vulnerable to trafficking for purposes such as sexual exploitation, forced
labor, and domestic servitude. Traffickers often target girls from economically
disadvantaged backgrounds. While there are efforts to rescue trafficked girls,
the rehabilitation process is usually inadequate, with many victims facing
difficulties reintegrating into society.
Many minor girls face barriers to accessing education, which
can include societal attitudes that prioritize boys' education, financial
constraints, and safety concerns related to traveling to school. Schools are
meant to be safe spaces, but incidents of harassment and abuse within
educational institutions are reported. Minor girls, particularly in rural and
marginalized communities, often suffer from malnutrition, which impacts their
physical and mental development. Malnutrition also makes them more vulnerable
to illnesses and less resilient to physical and psychological stress.
With the growing use of the internet and smartphones, minor girls are increasingly exposed to risks like cyberbullying, online harassment, and grooming by predators. The lack of digital literacy among children and parents contributes to this vulnerability. There is a critical need for education on digital safety for both minor girls and their guardians, as well as for stricter regulation of online content and platforms. India’s patriarchal social structure often limits the freedom and safety of minor girls.
(The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist. X
@narvijayyadav. Views are personal)