Because 'She' is Afraid...
Sexual Assaults on women have become a common phenomenon in the country. The news is constantly flooded with reports of brutal crimes against women. Such gruesome acts often make us shudder with fear. Molestation, eve-teasing, child abuse, rape, harassment, domestic violence, trafficking, prostitution and murders have multiplied in the past decade.
Why are these evil crimes increasing at such a high rate and who should be blamed for this violence?
The criminals who commit such crimes or the hypocrite society that nurtured them or the sluggish functioning of the judiciary or the incapability of government in formulating and implementing safety laws?
The answer lies in the patriarchal roots of India. Right from the beginning of the age of civilizations, women lived in miserable conditions stooped in poverty, ignorance, superstition, and slavery. They were materialized, commoditized, brutalized and subjected to inhuman exploitation and discrimination.
The condition, now, is more or less the same. Most men view themselves as being superior life forms of the society. They justify this belief by believing that they are stronger and more capable than women. Hence, being more qualified for all important roles in the society; trivialising the entire existence of women.
An important and effective solution for this harrowing issue is the empowerment of women. Women should be made self dependent by providing them access to all kinds of opportunities. Thereby, augmenting their position in the power structure of the society.
Educational attainment and economic participation are the key constituents in ensuring the empowerment of women.
The girl child must be equally accepted and cherished by the society. Social dogmas of female foeticides and infanticides, dowry system, gender discrimination, child marriage, forced conception etc must be completely driven away from the society. Awareness amongst the uneducated and awakening of the educated masses is the need of this hour.
The security personnels in our country must introspect and mend their shortcomings. The government should scrutinize the crimes against women and enforce strict laws against the criminals. The efficiency of the judiciary should be improved by making fast track courts to give justice to the survivors as early as possible.
Education of women will also play a pivotal role in their social, cultural and financial upliftment. Every girl must be motivated to study because if you educate a man you educate an individual but if you educate a woman, you educate the whole family.
The society, including each one of us, must pledge to protect, save and respect each and every woman on this Earth. If you can’t respect other women then don’t expect others to respect yours. Always remember that virtue begins at home.
Empower Women: Empower Nation