In 2011-12, the gender rights NGO Akshara conducted a study in collaboration with Hindustan Times called 'Make Mumbai safe for women'. After surveying 4,200 women in Mumbai, it was found that 95% of the respondents had experienced sexual harassment on the street, and 46% on public buses. Despite the escalation of offenses against women, the gang rape of August 22, along with other rapes in the last year, has left people bewildered, incensed and in search of answers.
Nevertheless, rape is endemic and widespread in Indian society, occurring both inside and outside the home. The victims are not only women, but also teenagers and girls. The best way to tackle the problem is at its base: during childhood. It is necessary to educate children, reach their parents, their neighborhoods, their communities. There must be gender sensitization workshops for teachers, parents and school administrators. Gender equality, as a subject, should be compulsory in the school curriculum. There should be innovative events, creative activities and projects for children and parents, month after month, year round.
There are no quick cures to a problem that arises from an entrenched patriarchal system and misogyny fueled by a culture of impunity. Violence against women has to be eradicated through intelligently conceived, intense and sensitive work at the school, community and district level, all backed by a relentless media campaign that can evolves as needs change. Laws and punitive measures are not enough. Although progress may be slow and may obstacles will have to be overcome, this is the only way to go if there is to be a radical change in society’s attitude towards the female sex.
Source: hindustantimes
