Protection of women.
This has been the biggest topic for discussion in the year bygone. Special protection cell for women, dedicated helplines (which rarely work,but a diff.issue altogether). The police has been recruiting women officers at a rapid pace keeping in mind the political and public pressure created when the women protesters were molested and manhandled by male policemen.
A few days back me ,my aunt ,her son were having tea .I had visited the after along time. The talks about rape and other related crimes is no longer a taboo topic .Thus my aunt started it in front of my 12 year (female) cousin and her 17 year brother. Starting with rising crimes in Rohini (where she lives) and referring to chain snatching incident which happened with her the conversation candidly approached rape and murder a few blocks away. Whoa.
She said the times are turning sour and safety is an issue. I agreed. Traveling is turning out to be difficult ,i agreed.
I stopped my self from speaking my mind ,but could not for long. Why cannot women protect themselves? I asked. Confusion was all over her face. I said women want to have good education,better jobs . They are ambitious and proving their mettle in every field. Why do they need a man for protection when it comes to safety?! They have equal right . They get reservation in universities . Then why do girls of 25- 30 years (specifically
) need a seat on the bus ,if they want equal status. Why be the depressed , silent one when some guy gropes you or molests in a bus.( i assume fear of 'izzat' and humiliation). I understand completely.
Women are not strong physically as men , then take self defence training. Any guy who as much as touches you inappropriately ,break his nose or hand. The police and public combined will favor you. You know that. Why do women prove repeatedly their capability of not being able to defend themselves. Turn the table around. The safety of girl or any woman is in their hand.
That much of my talk with my aunt was enough to place me in an awkward situation which confirmed the clash of ideas. And i concluded ,till the day women remain silent and get blackmailed in the name of family ki izzat and all and take matters in their hands ,no police can ever guarantee their safety.
And have you ever looked at a police constable ?..both man/woman ..are so slim and tiny that they seem defenceless themselves.
Women need to travel a long long way to achieve their emancipation. The path needs rebellion against the social and culture norms that dominate the societal beliefs and understanding.
