Question mark on the Safety of Women?

           

                                    

Vedas declare "Yetri Sitresto Samanta Tatra Ramantay Deva" meaning where women are respected, Gods travel there. In Indian spirituality/Sanatan dharma and culture women have been accorded an exalted position. Feminine power is the manifestation of Durga. We worship small girls during Navratras. Our government has given an important position to women and they are being empowered by giving them 33 per cent reservation in parliament, and Panchayats and urban local bodies. Efforts are on in giving due representation to women in state legislatures. It is in fact women who is the cause of this creation and women are an important part and parcel of our society. Government and political leaders are claiming women empowerment day in and day out. Girls education and employment is being given top priority by the government by the centre as well as state governments and Union territories. In Sanatan Dharma all religious ceremonies including Yagays cannot be performed without the active participation of one’s spouse. It is worthwhile to mention that in Sanatan dharma the names of gods precede with their consorts for example we say Gouri Shanker, Radhe Shyam, Sita Ram, Laxmi Narayan and all this shows how much importance is given to women in our society, religion and culture. But Alas, despite all this, women are not feeling safe and secure in homes, families, schools, colleges, workplaces, markets, while moving in a bus, taxi, auto, rail and aeroplane! Women are feeling insecure in public places and wherever they go and it is a cause of serious and grave concern. In India, abductions, rapes and other atrocities are being committed. We have heard about the rape and murder of a young girl Abiya rape cum murder of a young medico in a medical college in West Bengal few years ago. All these incidents of sextual assault on the innocent girls have ashamed our society. Now most recently a 13 year - young school girl returning home from tuition boarded an Auto Rickshaw in Ganga Nagar in Rajasthan and she was abducted and taken to a hotel. It is very unfortunate, savage and inhuman that the small girl was raped and molested for five days by thirty men who are savages in the human form. She got released after five days of sextual molestation and was admitted to a hospital where she was in ICU and died after five days. Naturally there is grief, anger and condemnation against this most savage act. People and the parents of the ill- fated girl are demanding capital punishment for all those involved in the most shameful and savage act. It has been reported that five hotel owners and their staff were involved in the heinous crime against women and God. This small girl should be given justice by way of hanging all the people involved in this inhuman crime so that such incidents and atrocities against women and even little girls do not occur again. Yet again a horrific news has come from West Bengal where a 12 year young girls got missing and it is very sad and disturbing that the innocent girl was sexually exploited and her body was found in a sack in Baruipur near Kolkata after a man was beaten to death by angry locals on rape and murder charges. The atrocities against women and girls and their kidnapping and sextual molestation is a very serious matter. Government, parents, NGO’s, Police and the society should cooperate and curb ill treatment to women and abduction and rape. One’s head hangs in shame on hearing that such savage acts take place in our country. Laws, dealing with the safety of women should be amended so that severest punishment is given to those involved in abduction and rape so that the public confidence is restored in law enforcing agencies. All this follows that women are not safe and secure in our country and serious and concerted efforts should be made so that women and girls feel safe and secure while in home and outside.

Thus, women’s safety remains one of the most pressing social challenges of the 21st century. Despite advances in education, technology, legal rights, and economic opportunities, many women continue to face violence, harassment, discrimination, and insecurity in both public and private spaces. Every, incident of violence against a woman raises serious questions about the effectiveness of laws, policing, social attitudes, and collective responsibility.

Understanding Women’s Safety: 

Women’s safety refers to the ability of women and girls to live, work, study, and travel without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or discrimination. It encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and now digital security. True safety means that a women should be able to:

a. Walk freely at any hour fear

b. Pursue education and employment without intimidation, 

c. Travel safely on public transport,

d. Live free from domestic violence and 

e. Use the internet without facing cyber harassment.

Major Threats to Women’s Safety: 

1. Sexual violence - Sexual assault, rape, molestation, and sexual harassment continue to be reported across many regions. These, crimes have deep physical and emotional scars on survivors.

2. Domestic Violence - Many women experience abuse within their -own homes, through physical violence, emotional abuse, economic control, or martial cruelty.

3. Workplace Harassment: Women often face inappropriate behaviour, unequal treatment, intimidation, and harassment in workplaces, affecting their professional growth and mental well-being.

4. Cybercrime: The rapid expansion of social media has led to cyberstalking, online bullying, identity theft, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of personal images.

5. Human Trafficking: Women and girls remain vulnerable to trafficking for forced labour,sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

Causes Behind the Problem: Several interconnected factors contribute to insecurity

a. Patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes, 

b. Lack of respect for women’s dignity and equality,

c. Weak implementation of laws in some cases, 

d. Delays in investigation and judicial processes,

e. Social Stigma that discourages victims from reporting crimes,

f. Poor street lighting ,inadequate public transport security, and unsafe public spaces, 

g. Limited awareness about legal rights and self-protection.

Impact on Society: When women feel unsafe, the consequences extend beyond individuals: 

a. Reduced participation in education and employment,

b. Psychological trauma and long-term health issues, 

c. Economic losses due to reduced workforce participation,

d. Increased fear among families, 

e. Slower social and national development.

A society cannot achieve genuine progress if half its population lives with insecurity.

Measures to Improve Women’s Safety-

1. Strong Law Enforcement - Laws must be implemented fairly and firmly investigations should be prompt, and offenders should face timely justice while ensuring due process.

2. Gender -Sensitive Education - Schools should promote values of equality, respect, empathy, and responsible behaviour from an early age.

3. Better Public Infrastructure - Well-lit streets CCTV surveillance where appropriate, reliable public transport, emergency helplines, and visible policing can improve safety.

4. Technology- Safety apps. GPS -enabled emergency alerts, and quick -response systems can assist women during emergencies.

5. Community Participation----Citizens should report crimes, support survivors, and reject attitudes that normalise harassment or violence.

6. Economic Empowerment - Financial independence and education strengthen women’s ability to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.

Role of Families - Families play a crucial role by:

a. Teaching boys and girls mutual respect, 

b. Encouraging daughters to pursue education and independence, 

c. Supporting victims rather than blaming them, 

d. Promoting open communication about safety concerns.

Role of Government & civil society -Governments, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, employers, and civil society organisations all share responsibility for creating safer environments. Awareness campaigns, legal aid, victim support services, and community engagement are essential components of a comprehensive approach.

In short, women’s safety is not merely a women’s issue–it is a measure of a nation’s commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. Creating a safe society requires effective laws, responsible institutions, informed citizens, and a culture that respects every individual’s rights. When, women can live without fear and participate fully in every sphere of life, society as a whole becomes stronger, more prosperous,and more humane.