India gained its independence on August 15, 1947, that makes it 77 years of being independent. But, the issue remains, “Are people really free?” Mahatma Gandhi said, “I will accept that we got real freedom only when our women folk can safely and fearlessly frequent outside their homes, even in the middle of the night.”
The contributions of men and women in the independence battle was equal. But still, after so many years of getting independence, women are not free to move around at night!
Every woman experiences sexual harassment in some form, some time in her life. Is this the society you want your children to grow up in?
Recently Kolkata rape case made it to the headlines, but what about the incidents that never come into light or the marital rape?
The medical post-graduate student was doing her duty when she was raped and brutally murdered in the night of August 9. Former Presidency University sociology researcher Rimjhim Sinha decided to spearhead a protest on the evening of August 14–15, after noticing an increase in the number of rape cases especially at night. ‘Night is Ours’ or “Women, Reclaim the Night’ is the name of this movement.
But, even after 77 years of Independence we are still fighting for our rights. It is unsafe for women to work in any job, day or night, not just one particular time.
Every time a woman leaves the house, she need not fear for her safety. Women have shown that all is possible for them if you give them the right opportunity.
In Indian society, girls are often suppressed from pursuing their aspirations. Even unborn female foetuses are not spared. If a woman finds out she is expecting a girl, some choose to terminate the pregnancy willingly or due to pressure from their families.
Most of the time, girls can’t go outside after dark. Here are few hard-hitting questions – so, why not encourage your sons to behave well or to not tease other people’s daughters instead of requesting that they stay at home?
Bear or Man Trend
Lately, “Bear or Man” was a popular social media trend. They asked this question to friends or strangers, asking if they would leave their daughter in the forest with a bear or a man. Most men themselves selected bear, claiming that although a bear might leave girl alone, a man won’t.
Teaching your girls self-defense should take precedence over teaching them household tasks, especially considering the rising number of rape cases.
Until society eradicates gender inequality, women will continue to battle for their independence.
We need to make many significant changes if we want women to live fearlessly. This means teaching everyone, especially young males, to respect women. Developing a culture of mutual respect and altering people’s perspectives have to take precedence over restricting the rights of women.
Crucial initial measures include ensuring that women are safe and training them self-defense techniques. Ensuring that every location is safe for everyone is the ultimate goal, not only at night but all day long.
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