Nandini Voice for the Deprived, a not-for-profit organisation based in Chennai, conducted an all-India essay competition for students on Women’s Liberty and Safety in India – Issues and Remedies. Around 90 per cent of the entries were by women students. N.S.Venkataraman summarises the views of the students, and their suggestions to mitigate the situation
1. Might is not right
Due to biological reasons, men are physically stronger than women in most cases. Therefore, some men seem to think that they can physically and/or mentally abuse women and remain unchallenged. This problem can be solved only by punishing the offenders severely and swiftly. Most of the affected women do indeed silently put up with the harassment due to fear of further abuse, and the so-called social stigma of making their situation public. Even if the victims report the abuse to the police, the judicial process is painfully long, and the offenders often manage to get bail and stay out of jail until the judgment is delivered after several years. In some cases, the offenders also go off scot-free, as cases may be dismissed on grounds of ‘insufficient evidence’.
2. Harassment of women is a global phenomenon
Even in the so-called advanced countries, abuse of women in workplaces, in homes and public places happens, though maybe not as frequently as it seems to be happening in India. Of course, women in advanced countries are more aware of laws and regulations and, on most occasions, gather courage to register complaints against the offenders.
3. Not a cultural issue
Traditionally and culturally, Indian women have been respected for their role as mother. Therefore, offences against women are not sanctioned by culture and tradition. In spite of this, abuse of women has been taking place. This is probably because society is not protesting against the abuse of women adequately and effectively in India. Only recently has this issue been highlighted to some extent. A conscious society should wage a battle in the hearts of men to make them realise the gravity of the offence. On the plus side, the number of sexual offenders in India is miniscule considering the huge population of the country. On the other hand, the decent men are conspicuously reluctant to speak out about the importance of protecting the dignity of women and to fight for the cause.
4. Influence of cinema, Internet, social media
Cinema and television serials often show women in poor light, depicting them as mentally weak, giving an impression that women often easily put up with offences. This creates a wrong and negative impression about women among children of both genders in their formative years. Social media and reality shows have also trapped many women into becoming victims of abuse by people masquerading as ‘friends’. Unfortunately, there seem to be no way to check such onslaughts against women in cinemas, social media and Internet feeds. Also, it is clear that the government has not paid enough attention to stopping obnoxious visual content.
5. Declining parental influence
Parental influence over children has slackened considerably, with children exposed to social media, etc, believing they must have the freedom to think and act in the way they want. In this context, young boys and girls often get together for late-night parties without the knowledge of their parents, and many instances of rape and abuse are said to happen at these dos. Increasing drug abuse and liquor consumption among teenagers is another factor, and women are the ultimate victims. Government’s efforts to curb drug and liquor use seem patently inadequate.
6. Need for a ban on polygamy
The practice of polygamy is humiliating for women but they often put up with it believing that they have no alternative. It impacts the safety, dignity and morale of women and it should be banned under law. Men who are polygamists should be barred from government jobs and from contesting elections.
7. The burden of ‘live-in’ relationships
Live-in relationships seem to be gaining ground in India, and because of this, it is the women who suffer in various ways, including rape and abuse, as they are perceived as having easy morals. Such arrangements should not only be banned but deplored by society.
8. Women against women
There are several cases of women suffering due to family quarrels, including with in-laws. These incidents are seldom reported, and though there may not be extreme violence, as in rape, the abuse by other women does lead to a number of cases of suicide.
9. Special campaign for women
While several laws and regulations have been announced in recent times to protect the safety of women, there is little awareness about them among a vast number of women, particularly those belonging to lower income groups or living in rural areas. Strong and continuous public campaigns are needed to spread information among women about such regulations and how they should make complaints to the police in case of abuse. Governments have failed to do this in any meaningful way so far.
Conclusion
All said and done, women should be aware that they are physically weak and cannot protect themselves adequately in case of physical harassment by men. There is no alternative other than women taking extra precautions to guard themselves all day long. The suggestion that women should be taught self-defence methods such as karate can be only of limited use. Government has introduced apps which will help women and concerned men inform the police and authorities about women who are victims of abuse. Women should keep themselves informed about such apps and use them when needed. Finally, women should stop wearing provocative clothes, as they tempt men, and ultimately pose a danger to themselves.
(The writer is trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai. He is a chemical engineer.)