Women rights is perhaps one of the most prevalently discussed topics of the present times, with the growth of incidents that violate it and also the speaking up of women for what they are inherently entitled to. It settles for the time being that though discussed in various forums and social media platforms to create and spread awareness of this unjustifiable issue, the matter is unfortunately no less of a problem than it was to begin with.
Regardless of her age, family background or appearance, no woman is really immune to her rights being violated. Be it physical, verbal or psychological abuse, the fact remains that the effects of such atrocities live long. It is saddening that this sort of torment is not given just by those in a woman’s workplace or community, but even by those in the vicinity of her own home and this makes her world a dangerous place to live in.
Violence by definition is an act of aggression against a person who resists and even those acts which are supposedly as minor as catcalling on the streets as a woman walks by to physically abusing her in captivity, qualify as those which objectify women and thereby violate her rights as a human. To add to the above mentioned point, verbal abuse ranging from catcalling (which one may assume should flatter instead of offend) to demeaning in foul language, is capable of making a woman doubt her own worth and this is also valid for what is needless to say about physical abuse, be it inappropriate groping in public transport, beating or sexual harassment of any sort.
Elimination of violence against women is widely spoken of especially after happenings of brutal incidents that are brought to the attention of the media, through campaigns and outcries on how the accused should be punished, for a while until the majority get on with their own lives. Though a natural reaction, it is irksome that time and again an innocent woman is pledged victim to bring this issue to light until the flame fades away after a temporary solution is found. Yes, penalties could be paid, the accused can serve some time in prison, rapists could face castration or execution or any other severe judicial punishment, but unfortunately these are not permanent solutions which can expect drastic favorable changes and ascertain that such cases will not crop up again.
Rightfully, a whole community of any kind cannot be stereotyped based on the actions of some. What is often not considered out of sympathy for the plight of the victim is the perspectives and emotions of the wrongdoer himself and within this lays possible solutions to this burning issue. What I intend to say is simple; a person who is content with himself will not inflict pain of any sort on anyone else. It is vital to understand that psychology plays a major role here and it is those exposed to negativity who commit these acts and by negativity I mean, broken families, vulnerability to intoxicants, movies that portray scenes of such cruelty and the likes; it is incredibly easy to be influenced by what is not good than the socially desirable opposite. Apart from the frequently suggested option of introducing sex education to one and all, psychology and even moral values should be inculcated and made to practice. If every individual is capable of discriminating what is right and what is not, it will collectively make the required change.
The incidents that do make it to the headlines are certainly not all. Many just go ignored and many more are dealt with in silence by the victim for the fear of facing the wrath of the offender or being judged by the society and this needs to see an end. Every woman needs to know and be assured that her voice and her rights are highly valued just like that of any other human, irrespective of her social identity. The way out of this issue requires the efforts of all of us. One without the other cannot thrive, therefore we have to be respectful of each other’s rights and most importantly, be empathetic..
– Rtr. Niveditha Rao
Editor
RACALBS