Nandini Voice for the Deprived, a non-profit organisation based in Chennai, conducted an All-India essay competition for students on the following subject:
“Women’s Liberty & Safety in India – Issues and Remedies”
There has been a good response from students across India. Around 90% of the entries were submitted by female students.
It is gratifying to note that the students have made considerable efforts to assess the situation, identify the issues, and provide useful suggestions and recommendations.
In view of the thought-provoking observations and appropriate suggestions made by many students, it was decided to increase the number of prizes awarded in the competition to 14.
Highlights of the students’ observations and recommendations:
- Should Might Be Deemed Right?
Due to biological reasons, men are physically stronger than women in most cases. Consequently, some misbehaving men seem to believe they can overpower women easily, leading to physical and mental abuse. This may explain why some men feel emboldened to mistreat women. Many victims silently endure harassment out of fear or concern about social stigma.
The problem can only be solved by punishing offenders swiftly and severely. However, this often does not happen, even when women report incidents to the police. The judicial process takes an unreasonably long time, with offenders frequently obtaining bail and remaining free for years until a verdict is delivered. In some cases, offenders go unpunished due to perceived insufficient evidence.
- Harassment of Women Is a Global Phenomenon
Even in so-called advanced countries, women face abuse in the workplace, at home, and in public spaces, though perhaps not as frequently as in India. Women in these countries are often more aware of their rights and have the courage to report offences.
This suggests that sexual offenders worldwide may share similar behavioural patterns.
- Not a Cultural Issue
Traditionally, Indian women have been respected for their roles as mothers. Therefore, abuse against women is not condoned by Indian cultural or traditional values. Yet, such abuse continues to occur.
This is likely because society in India does not protest against abuse adequately or effectively. It is only in recent years that this issue has received some attention.
A conscious society must work to change the attitudes of men and make them realise the gravity of their actions. Though the number of offenders is small compared to India’s vast population, the good men in society are often silent about the importance of protecting women’s dignity and rarely fight for this cause.
- Cinema, Internet, and Social Media
Cinemas and TV serials often depict women in a negative light, portraying them as mentally weak and giving the impression that they tolerate abuse too easily. This creates a damaging perception of women in the minds of young boys and girls.
Social media, and unrestricted access to various chat platforms and so-called reality shows, has also led many women into harmful situations, making them vulnerable to abuse by so-called friends.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to curb these harmful portrayals in films, social media, and online shows. The government has not done enough to address these issues.
- Declining Parental Influence
Parental influence over children has waned significantly. Sons and daughters, exposed to social media, often believe they must have personal freedom to think and act independently. Many parents are unable to provide suitable guidance to their children during their formative years.
In this context, it is not uncommon for young boys and girls to attend night parties or stay out late without their parents’ knowledge. Many cases of abuse and rape appear to occur during such outings.
With the alarming increase in drug abuse and alcohol consumption among teenagers, the unrestricted mingling of young boys and girls has led to disastrous consequences, with women being the ultimate victims. Government efforts to control the availability of drugs and alcohol are grossly inadequate.
- Ban Polygamy
The practice of polygamy, where men marry more than one woman, is a humiliating experience for women. Many women endure this, believing they have no alternative. Multiple wives in a family is a major issue affecting the safety, dignity, and morale of women.
Polygamy should be banned in India through appropriate laws. Men involved in polygamy should be barred from government jobs and disqualified from contesting elections.
- “Live-In” Relationships
Men and women living together without marriage is an un-Indian practice that seems to be gaining ground. Such relationships, driven by physical infatuation and personal indiscipline, lack emotional commitment.
Women in these relationships often suffer abuse, sometimes from the man involved and, on occasion, his friends. This leads them to be seen as having “easy” morals.
Live-in relationships should be banned and condemned as abnormal and distasteful behaviour.
- Women Against Women
There are many cases where women suffer due to family disputes, particularly between in-laws. While these situations rarely escalate to violent acts like rape, many women commit suicide due to harassment from other women.
- Special Campaigns for Women
Despite numerous laws to protect women, there is little awareness about them, especially among women from lower-income groups and rural areas.
A strong, sustained public campaign is needed to educate women about their rights and how to report abuse. The government has failed to implement such campaigns effectively.
- Women Should Guard Themselves
Ultimately, women must be aware that they are physically more vulnerable and need to take precautions to protect themselves. While self-defence techniques like karate and carrying pepper spray may help, they can only offer limited protection.
There are several government apps designed to help women report abuse, and women should familiarise themselves with these and use them when necessary.
Women must report abuse, whether it occurs at school, in public places, or at home. They should also exercise caution when choosing boyfriends, avoid visiting isolated places, and always inform family members about their whereabouts.
Moreover, drug abuse and alcohol consumption among women should be discouraged, as addiction makes women more susceptible to abuse.
Lastly, women should reconsider wearing provocative clothing. While fashion is a personal choice, such attire can tempt some men and may inadvertently increase the risk of harassment.
