Being a woman....

The stars looked beautiful today. Clear blue sky, amazing weather, and beautiful twinkling lights. And as I looked at the stars, I wondered how long my country would be safe enough for me to enjoy the freedom to move around. Apparently, the law, the politicians and the common people are not going to protect me if I get raped, or harassed, or teased. 

Earlier, I felt safe with my guy friends/brothers. Now I fear for their life. Have you watched the Delhi attack on one girl? Remember Ruben and Keenen? Of course you do. You lit a candle for them, discussed it at your parties, and then moved on as if nothing had happened. It wasn't your life, so why would you care. 

If I was out, and something was to happen to me, it would be my fault for wearing short clothes. If I was wearing clothes that "covered me from head to toe" it would still be my fault. I would have provoked the guy into harassing me or raping me by some words or gestures. 

Supposing something were to happen, I would file a case.  The media would probably play my story up. They would abide by the laws which prohibit naming the rape victim. But they would name my neighbors, my classmates, put a pictures of my parents, my house. Making it very easy to trace me.

They would call for justice, organize candle light marches, have debates at the Prime Hour shows, and when the next parliament session comes in, would shove my story in their archives and move on. The police would give interviews to the media and express their support for me, would promise me that they would catch the culprit, all while they sipped on their hot tea and barked orders at their subordinates. As soon as I left the station, they would sit back because "bade saheb ke orders hain". Or slip the culprits into the VIP room. 

The same VIP room that our dear elected representatives would push for. The same Government which would give speeches, announce compensation packages and talk about the need to introduce stricter laws. The opposition would point fingers at the Government and their incompetency. Each side would promise their support, all while they hired lawyers for the criminals.

The lawyers who would be as blind as our statue of justice is. The lawyers would each try to outdo the other in playing dirty. Bring up facts to harm the reputation of those involved in the cases- witnesses or victims. Facts which have nothing to do with the case. The case would go on for years. I would move from court to court, until one day, my grandchildren would be photographed for their reaction to the judgement because I would long be dead. God bless our justice system.

All this happens in a county, where the President is a woman. The largest political party is headed by a woman. The most famous journalist is a woman, so are the most famous actors, singers, politicians. But have any of these women come out to support the causes of eve-teasing and its hazards? Have they ever spoken out against rape, molestation, the insecurity they feel because no one in our country is willing to take up the responsibility for the safety of women. 

It is a shame that we live in a world where people are doing everything to control inflation, fuel prices and corruption. But they don't even recognize women safety as an issue to be considered.