The horrific sexual assault and burning alive of a young veterinary doctor has shocked the nation. A Woman in Today's India reacts to the unspeakable crime that should shame every Indian.
The young woman who was raped on December 16 gave us courage. To stand up. To protest the crimes that had been committed against us. To fight back.
'Women face sexual harassment in some form or the other every day, but the horror you have had to endure is something most of us cannot even begin to imagine. You fought. You screamed for help. You did not give in. You did not let what followed break your spirit.' A Woman In Today's India salutes Mumbai's Braveheart.
Rape is personal. Rape happens, in most cases, when a man decides he 'wants' to have 'fun' with a woman. Or when he wants to 'punish' her.
If this little girl was 'lucky,' the stranger who examined her would have been a woman; if she was still luckier, she would have gentle and patient and kind. Then, the cops would have questioned her. Finally, she would have been allowed to go home with a little pouch of medicines to help her with the pain. But who would ease her terror and horror?
If this little girl was 'lucky,' the stranger who examined her would have been a woman; if she was still luckier, she would have gentle and patient and kind. Then, the cops would have questioned her. Finally, she would have been allowed to go home with a little pouch of medicines to help her with the pain. But who would ease her terror and horror?
'How can a group of men GANG-RAPE a woman? How can a father rape his daughter? Or an uncle his niece? Or a brother his sister? And, as it happens in most cases, how can a mother stand by and just allow it to happen? Does it not rip their soul to shreds?How are they able to sleep, or eat, or breathe, or live after committing such a heinous act?'
'Look at the woman sitting next to you, or any of the women in your family, your friends, or ANY woman for that matter. I can guarantee you that she has been abused, molested or eve-teased at some time.'