Recall the last time you saw a woman teased by men. A nudge intended on her chest in a crowd or bus, lewd stare till she feels uncomfortable,a whistle or humming a song, those cheap comments and gestures when she goes to school. Your answer will stroll around an hour ago, yesterday or 2 days back. My answer is no fluke; it’s just because I am also a girl, independent and strong girl who condemns, retaliates against it but encounters it every day.
This speaks volume about the country which is acknowledged for its deep rooted culture and tradition. From a sly whistle to rape, women are jarred and pushed down. Rape can be said to be woven into the fabric of India’s culture. In the aftermath of the recent Delhi gang rape incident, a lot has been promised to the women across the country but mere punishing the five culprits is not an answer because it’s not the five but a thousand minds which needs a change.
We talk of girl education and funds (carrying the name of the minister) that are passed for their gratification but despite women’s increased access to education, changing social scenario, women are still a subject to physical and emotional violence at home or at work place. Concrete efforts need to be taken in favor of women which roots out the mushroom of discrimination against women.
Stop stereotyping women as an object. Yes we all are to be blamed for this. How a munni badnaam and Sheila ki jawaani become a national anthem because I, you and everyone enjoys it and give a damn to its degrading content. Stop gorging at the headlines reading rapes and abusing your government for this. It’s you who starts it and only you who can end it. How celebrating Valentine’s Day become a national crime to those whose favorite hobbies include teasing and abusing women. The advices ‘don’t go out at night’or ‘don’t befriend men’ are meaningless when you don’t feel safe inside your four walls.
Girls should be mentally strong and always carry a pepper spray or anything that will work for a faceoff. Karate and proper education will curb child molestation and abuse. At homes, parents should never project a man as superior to a woman because it piles up in the child’s mind and later attributes to his behavior with the opposite sex. All these and many more when followed will vouch for change in the society. Because, It’s you and me that makes the world.
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