Why Women Are Soft Targets?

It is disturbing to hear almost every day about rapes, murders, and suicides in our country. Where are we going wrong as a society, as a community, and as a nation?

Recently, in Manipur, two women from the Kuki-zomi community were paraded naked by a mob of men and sexually assaulted. The incident took place two months ago, and a senior police official has confirmed that a zero FIR had been registered in the matter in Kangpokpi district. Now, a video clip of the incident surfaced on social media platforms. In response to this, Manipur Police has made its first arrest in the case registered in connection with the video of the incident.

This is not a new occurrence, women have always borne the burnt of historical brutalities

During the Partition of India in 1947, women were used as political tools between various religious groups. According to estimates, 75,000 to 100,000 women were abducted and sexually assaulted. The rape of women by males during this period is well documented.

During the 2002 Gujarat riots, women were subjected to the most sadistic and vicious forms of violence. They suffered the most bestial forms of brutality, and sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, insertion of objects into their bodies, stripping, and molestation. A majority of the women were burnt alive. Women were left to rot in the aftermath of the anti-Sikh massacre of 1984, and yet they have continued to support their families against all odds.

 In India, gender equality is deeply rooted in societal norms. According to many studies, women adopt and accept male dominance through learned social behaviour that they observed since childhood by looking at the same behaviour by their mother and other elder women at home.

Time for a change of attitude towards women

Society bears a greater responsibility in bringing up its boys and girls.

Social roles and expectations may affect our decisions about relationships. For Eg: Men are taught that expressing feelings is not “masculine.”

We need to make a change at the grassroots level by addressing the patriarchal mindset and enforcing gender equality through education and upbringing.