Violence against women

Today is International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. So we observe one day in a year to support violence against women? And our duty is over? Of course not!

Every day, uncountable women across the world, particularly in the third world countries suffer violence in some form of other. It can range from eve-teasing to molestation, domestic violence to rape, physical or mental torture, workplace harassment or discrimination. Tomes have been written by psychologists to probe into the mentality of people who torture women. Whatever the reason behind aggression against women - insecurity/ jealousy/ broken home/ a scarred childhood/ mob mentality, nothing and absolutely nothing justifies inflicting violence against another human being.

Why do women tolerate it, often shielding the culprit, particularly if the person is from her family or known circle? In India it is because she lacks a sound support system and often economic independence. Society is callous in its attitude towards domestic violence and sexual harassment, and often the blame gets laid on the woman for "instigating" it. Leaders preach women to conduct themselves properly so that men are not "tempted"! Well, well, let us not forget that most violence occurs where the woman is fully covered and is docile and meek towards her assaulter.

All said and done, Indian society has a lot of growing up to do. It still cannot digest women displaying flesh or venturing into their territory. Flashing i-pods or tablets, spouting the latest Internet jargon and brandishing designer wear does not a progressive society make. Progress has to go beyond visible symbols of modernity and percolate to attitudes and mindsets. And respect towards women is core to any society's progress. Let us, as a society, show zero tolerance towards violence against women. And let us, as women, resolve to be responsible towards our weaker sisters and protest against any form of violence, wherever it comes from. That is the true spirit of this day.

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