End Rape! Stop Rapists!
A new spell of rape incidents in this month (June 2014) in Indian states of UP, TN, and MP has one again sent alarm signals against several ailments that our society suffers. Rape incidents in India, in my opinion, is a result of male dominance that has prevailed in our society. However, there are several additional factors such as caste discrimination, lack of awareness and empowerment among women and children, societal rejection of rape victims. This piece of writing highlights the plight of Indian women and children.
First, let us analyze Uttar Pradesh’ Badaum incident where two teenagers were gangraped by (the so-called) upper caste men. Brinda Karat in her article related to the incident, ‘Endless wait for Justice’ (The Hindu, June 6, 2014) mentions that in many villages, men think that raping a women of lower caste is an inherited right they possess. Gangrape incident in UP is a case of both an atrocity against the oppressed community as well as a child sex abuse.
The voice of the oppressed, in spite, of increased media focus and representation in politics is still unheard. ‘The Hindu’ has reported a shameful fact that poll percentage is alarmingly low in reserved constituencies in the recent elections. This is a clear evidence of caste discrimination (a sort of untouchability) still prevail in India. Helplessness of Dalits when 700 houses were burnt in Dharmapuri, TN by Caste-Hindu mobs is another examples. Incident in MP is also against a tribal woman. Their social backwardness ensures rapes being unreported. Unless voices of Dalits and Adi Vaashis are heard, such incidents will not cease.
An important angle to the UP incident described earlier is that victims is they are teenagers. A study Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in 2007 reveals a shocking data that 53% children are prone to sexual harassment. Therefore, media reports are just the tip of an iceberg. Majority of child sex assault are caused by close relatives. Rape of a 10 and 11 year old kids in Pollachi, TN in a girl’s hostel shows brutality of offenders. Awareness about good touch and bad touch must reach every child.
Many rape victims hesitate to report the incident because of a social stigma. Rape victims often face rejection by the society and even by the police and doctors during investigation and examination. They are deprived of jobs, marriage and dignity. This has led to many rape victims involve in prostitution. This social rejection also helps offenders believe that the victim would not report it. Yet there are a few brave hearts among the victims who advocate against that stigma. Society must embrace rape victims not only to protect them but also to send warning signals to men who think women can be taken for granted.
The new government has raised hopes in terms of our international relations, defence, strengthening bureaucracy, decentralising development and improving infrastructure. Ministry of Women and Child Development is headed by Ms Menaka Gandhi who was an animal right activist. She has an experience of being a voice against animal abuse. Therefore, she is fit for her new office and I hope she raises her voice strongly this time against child sex abuse and sexual violence. Also Ministry of minority rights is headed by Ms Najma Heptullah another sharp woman would empower SCs/STs just as she has empowered several women in her political career.