Bengaluru: “The condition of women in India has always been a matter of concern and we have been fighting for equal status and opportunities as compared to our male counterparts. Thankfully, it is definitely improving, but safety of women is something that should be looked into,” said 27-year-old Gopika Nair, who along with her friends discussed this serious issue of sexual crimes against women at length with Deccan Chronicle.
“I shifted quite close to my workplace primarily for safety reasons. Despite the hustle and bustle women need to be extra cautious and alert round-the-clock because you never know,” stresses Jhuma Chakravarti, who has been living in the city for more than eight years. “Despite being here for so many years and knowing almost every nook and corner. I still wouldn’t leave my safety to chance or the police,” she added.
While discussing the recent incident, where a 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped in a moving bus at Hoskote on the city's eastern outskirts, the trio became very emotional.
“It is really sad to hear that such incidences are still happening. A brutal punishment to at least one of the convicted rapist, will send a message to other convicts out there or such like minded people,” says Zhenia Valanka Cardoso. “Rape, is not just any offence that you can commit and go scot-free,” she observed.
“Speedy action is really needed. Nowadays most of the women are working and coming home late. We are all earning and providing for the family. We cannot hide inside closed doors,” said Zhenia, emphasizing that safety continues to be a long distant dream for women in the city.
“There should be more enforcement when it comes to safety. Most women rely on buses, as they cannot afford cabs. Hence there should be background checks on conductors and drivers,” Jhuma said.
“The punishments should be equivalent to that of murder, because the victim may be physically alive, but is mentally dead after this heinous act. The after-effects of such an incident leaves a person shattered for life,” Zhenia said.
Summing up, Zhenia said, “As far as we girls are concerned, seeing the scenario in India, it’s best we learn to protect ourselves, rather than wait for the authorities to take action. Learning some self-defence techniques or carrying a pepper spray would probably help us save ourselves. It is time we show that we aren’t the weaker sex!”
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