It is time to go past symbolic gestures and confront the harsh reality of Women’s dignity
Even as we celebrated International Women’s Day, just two days later, we reported three deeply disturbing incidents: the rape of an Israeli tourist in Hampi, a man creating a public nuisance in Pune by urinating at a crossroads, and the blaring of obscene songs in Bihar. These incidents may seem unrelated, but they share a troubling common thread-our society has become morally degraded, indifferent to the dignity of women, and increasingly insensitive to gender equality.
This decline in values is occurring in a country that once revered womanhood, placing women on a high pedestal. The famous sloka from the Manusmriti, ‘Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devta’ translates to, “Where women are honored, divinity blossoms there.” It serves as a reminder that women should be respected and valued in society. Historically, women like Apala, Ghosha, Lopamudra, and Gargi were esteemed figures in ancient India. In modern times, countless women have made significant contributions across various fields. Yet, given the current state of affairs, one might wonder if the gods have already abandoned us.
What has gone wrong? Why do we see such pervasive misogyny and moral decline in a country that once celebrated womanhood? When did we lose our way? Blaming Western influence for our own degeneration is a weak excuse. The truth is, while women have been at the forefront of progress, they have also endured some of the harshest forms of patriarchy. From domestic violence to workplace discrimination, Indian women continue to struggle against entrenched biases, even from so-called educated and cultured men who conveniently abandon their ideals when it comes to gender equality.
The three incidents reported may not be the norm, but they are symptomatic of a larger, deeply rooted issue. Over the years, we have only reinforced the objectification of women. Just glance at advertisements where women are reduced to eye candy, Bollywood films where they play second fiddle to male protagonists, or popular fiction where they are confined to stereotypical roles of homemakers and child-rearers. Even the comments from the politicians in the recent past have been rather uncharitable about women. The problem runs deeper than we acknowledge. Society as a whole must awaken to the true power of women and respect them for their inherent worth, not just as decorative figures.
What can be done? First, we must recognise and admit that the state of women in India is deplorable. Ignoring the issue or brushing it under the carpet will not help. When stand-up comedian Vir Das made a pointed remark about how India worships women by day and violates them by night, all hell broke loose. Yet, outrage cannot erase the painful truth. Hypocrisy and pretense cannot change the truth. Token gestures and symbolic celebrations are past their expiry date—it is time for real action.Stronger laws may be part of the solution, but they must be backed by proper implementation. (It is worth noting that the conviction rate for crimes against women remains abysmally low) More importantly, we need to instil respect and gender sensitivity in men from an early age. Boys must be taught that their sisters have the same rights as they do, and society must reinforce this equality at every level.
The time for complacency is over. A cultural shift is needed-one that does not just pay lip service to gender equality but actively fosters a safer, more just environment for women. Only then can we truly claim to honour and respect them. Let us make a beginning. We at The Pioneer have taken an initiative and would like our readers to join us in our campaign to awaken the society from its deep slumber.
