- India is a country that worships women in the form of gods and goddesses with utmost reverence, devotion, and unquestionable belief since time immemorial. However, what has not changed on the ground is the mostly patriarchal, misogynistic, and anachronistic belief system, widely prevalent, bestowing males a sense of superiority and entitlement is a fact that cannot be brushed under the carpet. This sense of entitlement compels/impels/instigates some males to carry out extremely despicable and horrendous harassment of women with no rhyme or reason. Little wonder, several incidents of various forms of harassment, sexual violence, molestations, and attacks on women continue to be reported despite the stringent laws of the land in place.
PC: Moneycontrol
- Is it working as a deterrence? Not at all, atrocities against women continue to be perpetrated across the country with such impunity, highlighting the plight of the other gender, constantly under attack by the pervading sense of entitlement prevalent among men. As reported recently, that visiting cricketers were molested speaks to how India treats the issue of women’s safety. As is their wont, Madhya Pradesh police are advertising their quick arrest of the man accused of molesting two Australian women cricketers. The team was in Indore for the ICC Women’s World Cup. But that barely begins to address the issue. That two cricketers were assaulted in broad daylight, just a few hundred metres from their hotel in the poshest part of town, raises questions.
)
PC: Firstpost
- Undoubtedly, the incident is not just a matter of shame for a cricket-loving country hosting a high-profile international tournament; it also reinforces the perception that women aren’t safe in India’s public places. Note that several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, have travel advisories for women visiting India. The latest incident will only go to justify those. Second, where were the security protocols for a high-level international event? BCCI has offered to revise its safety systems. But the damage has already been done. India hopes to host other big international sporting events in the future. Ahmedabad has been recommended as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games pending final confirmation.
PC: LinkedIn
- India is also vying to host the Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2036. Ensuring safety is a key part of these processes. And the Indore incident doesn’t inspire confidence. This is also one of the reasons why India doesn’t realize its full tourism potential. Last year, the country saw 9.9mn foreign tourist arrivals. Much smaller Thailand saw 35.5mn foreign tourists. This costs India because tourism provides one of the largest returns per rupee invested. Given India’s many tourism spots, the sector could have generated a much larger number of jobs, particularly for the youth. But it badly underperforms. Security cannot be addressed in silos. Societal mindset must change. Stringent deterrence should be in place. Conviction rate for sexual violence and offences should reflect the seriousness of the authorities. India’s women deserve far better. Period.
