“One in three women suffer from abuse and violence in her lifetime. This is an
appaling human rights violation. Yet, it remains one of the invisible, under-
recognised pandemics of our time.” —Nicole Kidman, Australian actor
COVER STORY
India, a country of rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, paradoxically stands
today as one of the most
dangerous countries in the world for women. A 2018
Thompson Reuters Foundation survey ranked India as the most dangerous country
for women due to the high risk of sexual violence. Through statistical data, real-life
examples, and analysis, this essay sheds light on the extent of the problem and the
underlying factors contributing to this dire situation.
The status of women in Indian society has undergone significant changes over the
centuries. In ancient India, women were revered; the texts like the Vedas and
Upanishads highlight the high regard
for women. However, with the advent
of
various societal changes, including foreign invasions and the entrenchment of
patriarchal norms, the status of women declined. Practices like Sati, child marriages,
and female infanticide became widespread, reflecting the deep-seated gender
inequalities.
The British colonial period brought some reforms, such as the abolition of
Sati and
the introduction of the Widow Remarriage Act. However, these changes were
limited in scope and did not alter the deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes. Post-
independence India has seen significant legal advancements aimed at protecting
women’s rights, yet the implementation of these laws remains inconsistent, leading
to a continuation of crimes against women.
Crimes Against Women
In contemporary India, crimes against women are not only persistent but are also
escalating at an alarming rate. According to the National Crimes Records Bureau
(NCRB) data, crimes against women have been steadily increasing. In 2019, India
recorded over 405,861 cases of crimes against women including rape, domestic
violence, dowry deaths, and acid attacks.
Rape is one of the most heinous crimes women face in India. The 2012 Delhi gang
rape case, known as the Nirbhaya case, shocked the nation and the world, leading to
massive protests and calls for stricter laws. Despite the introduction of the Criminal
Law (Amendment) Act in 2013, which included stringent punishments
for rapists,
the number of rape cases has not significantly decreased. In 2019 alone, 32,033 new
cases of rape were reported in India, which means a woman is raped every 16
minutes in this country.
The most recent case that once again brought the horrific reality of sexual violence
to the forefront was the rape
and murder of a young woman doctor in Kolkata. This
case echoes the Nirbhaya incident, demonstrating that despite the public outrage
and legal amendments, the safety of women remains precarious. Quo Vadis, India?
How many more women need to suffer before real change occurs?
Sexual crimes against women in India are not limited to rape.
Sexual harassment,
molestation, and domestic violence are pervasive issues that women face daily. The
problem is compounded by the societal stigma attached to sexual crimes, which
often leads to underreporting. The NCRB data indicates that for every reported case
of sexual violence, there are many more that go unreported.
One of the most tragic aspects of sexual crimes in India is the targeting of young
girls.
Child sexual abuse is rampant, with too many cases involving underage girls.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012, was introduced
to address this issue, yet implementation remains a challenge. The Kathua rape case
of 2018, where an eight-year-old girl was brutally raped and murdered in Uttar
Pradesh, highlighted the vulnerability of young girls to sexual violence. Cultural and
Social Factors contributed to the problem.
The prevalence of sexual crimes
against women in India is deeply rooted
in
cultural and social factors. Patriarchy, gender stereotypes, and the objectification of
women contribute significantly to the issue. Women are often seen as the property
of men, and their bodies are controlled by societal norms that dictate how they
should dress, behave, and interact with others.
The cultural notion of “honour” is another factor that perpetuates violence against
women. Women are often seen
as the bearers of the family’s honour and perceived
transgression on their part can lead to severe consequences, including honour
killings. The fear of bringing shame to the family often prevents women from
reporting sexual crimes, further perpetuating the cycle of violence.
Additionally, the portrayal of women in Indian media and cinema often reinforces
gender stereotypes and normalises
the tendency for sexual violence. The
objectification of women in movies
and advertisements contributes to the perception of women as mere objects of
desire, leading to the normalisation of sexual harassment and assault.
Workplaces: Unsafe Havens for Women
In recent years, the issue of sexual harassment in workplaces has gained attention,
yet the problem remains pervasive. The tragic case of a young woman doctor raped
and murdered in a hospital in Kolkata is a stark reminder that women are not safe
even in professional spaces.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, was supposed to create a safer
work environment for women at work. Yet, the rampant cases of harassment and
assault suggest that these measures are insufficient.
The Hema Commission report on the Malayalam film industry further reveals the
depth of this issue, exposing the systemic harassment faced by women artists in a
sector that should be a beacon of creativity and expression.
How can we, as a
society, allow such atrocities to continue unchecked? Cui bono? (to whose benefit?).
Why
are these laws and commissions failing to protect women?
Recognising the gravity of the situation, both the government and civil society
organisations have taken steps to address the issue of crimes against women. The
government of India had introduced initiatives, such as Beti Bacho; Beti Padhao
(Save the Daughter; Educate the Daughter) campaign aimed at improving the status
of women in society.
The establishment of fast-track courts for rape cases, the introduction of a One-Stop-
Centre- Scheme for providing support to women affected by violence, the 181
women’s helpline, and the dedicated Pink Police by the state government, are some
of the measures undertaken to improve the safety and security of women. The
Nirbhaya Fund, set up after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, aims to finance projects
that ensure women’s safety.
However, these initiatives have done little to stem the tide of violence. Despite the
introduction of these programs and the existence of numerous laws, both new and
old, crime against women hasn’t lessened in modern India.
The persistent violence
is a glaring indictment of the government and civil society alike. Why does the
justice system continue to fail the women it is meant
to protect? It is not enough to
create laws and programs; their effective implementation
is crucial. The present
situation demands introspection and accountability.
The Hema Commission Report:
A Stark Reality
The Hema Commission set up to
investigate sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry revealed the rampant
exploitation and abuse faced by women in this sector.
The report highlighted the
systemic nature
of the problem, where women are often silenced or punished for
speaking out against powerful figures in the industry. This commission was
supposed to be the turning point in addressing the harassment that women in the
film industry endure. Yet, the lack of substantial action following the report is
another example of how deeply ingrained and ignored the issue of sexual violence
and harassment is in India.
The widespread occurrence of
crimes against women has far-reaching
consequences for Indian society. It not only affects the physical and mental well-
being of the victims but these crimes also have broader social and economic
implications. Women who are victims of sexual crimes often suffer from severe
psychological trauma, leading to depression, anxiety and in some cases, suicide.
The fear of violence restricts women’s freedom of mobility, limiting their
opportunities for education, employment, and social interaction. This has a direct
impact on the country’s economic well- being because women’s participation
in the workforce is a crucial factor for economic growth and development.
The
Gender Inequality Index (GII) is an index introduced by the UN’s 2010 Human
Development Report for measuring gender disparity. It measures disparities in
various aspects of life, including education, health, and economic participation. It
ranks India poorly, reflecting the adverse effects of gender-based violence.
Addressing the crisis of violence against women in India requires a multifaceted
approach. First and foremost, the legal framework must be enforced rigorously. The
judicial system needs to ensure swift and fair trials for perpetrators of violence
against women. The urgent establishment of more fast-track courts, coupled with
the mandatory training of law enforcement personnel on gender sensitivity, is
essential.
Education plays a crucial role in changing societal attitudes.
Gender equality and
respect for women must be taught from a young age, both at schools and at home.
Additionally, the media must take responsibility for promoting positive portrayals
of women and challenging stereotypes.
Workplaces need to implement
strict anti-harassment policies with mechanisms in
place to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. The findings of the Hema
Commission report should be taken seriously, with immediate and strong action
against those found guilty in the film industry and beyond.
Civil society must also continue its efforts to raise awareness and support victims.
Community-based programs that engage men and boys in conversations about
gender equality are vital in challenging patriarchal norms. “We need to raise boys to
be men, instead we raise them not to be women” – Don McPherson.
In conclusion, crimes against women and sexual violence in India are severe and
pressing issues that demand immediate attention.
Despite the existence of a robust
legal framework, the implementation of laws remains weak, and societal attitudes
continue to perpetuate violence against women, The current state of affairs
is a
damning indictment of both the government and civil society, raising serious
questions about the effectiveness of the measures in place.
For this issue to be addressed effectively, a multifaceted approach is needed,
involving legal reforms, education, awareness, and the active participation of both
government and civil society. India’s journey towards becoming a safer place for
women is fraught with challenges, but it is not an impossible goal. By fostering
a
culture of respect, equality, and justice, India can hope to eradicate the scourge
of
violence against women and build a society where women can live with dignity and
security.
But the question remains: How much longer must we wait for this change? Until that
day comes, we must all bear the weight of this collective failure, for in the end, the
measure of any society is how it treats its women. Fiat justitia, ruat caelum – Let
justice be done, though the heavens may fall.
