BENGALURU: India, the most dangerous for women in the world? No, assert women activists, commenting on a worldwide survey conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation that gave the country the ignominious rating.
“What about the countries that do not even allow women to talk in public that have been rated better than India? The survey is biased and false," said the National Commission for Women (NCW). Ms Rekha Sharma, chairperson, NCW, told Deccan Chronicle: "The survey states that they spoke to 550 experts and brought out a report. This, on an average, means they have spoken to not more than 24-25 people in India. How can they label the country the most dangerous for women? The findings are wrong. Indian women, in the last five years, have come a long way. They are smart, are aware of their rights and are outspoken too."
She said, "After the Delhi gangrape in December 2012, laws pertaining to women's rights have undergone a major change. Awareness programmes have been conducted, proactive media has been keeping a hawk's eye and the police have been sensitised and made more women friendly. I don't believe India is worse than countries that do not allow women to watch television or drive."
The Thomson Reuters poll was conducted online, by phone and in person between March 26 and May 4 with an even spread across Europe, Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, South Asia and the Pacific.
Ms Pramila Nesargi, a well-known women's rights activist, lawyer and educationist, said that the survey findings are false. "They are not rational and are totally false. In which part of the world can one ensure women's safety and security? Nowhere. The survey conducted is not acceptable as women are being subjected to rape, domestic violence and acid attacks in most of the countries. Why pin down India," she asked.
She said, "India has a larger population as compared to countries like Singapore, Afghanistan and others. It is unfair to compare India, which has multi-religion, multi language and multi-cultural communities, with those that are less populated." In the Thomson Reuters Foundation survey, India is followed by war-torn Afghanistan and Syria.
Rape law changed too
India's rape law (Section 375/376 of IPC) was expanded to cover rape beyond peno-vaginal intercourse. Voyeurism, stalking and acid attacks too are now punishable crimes. The Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013 makes it easier for survivors to seek medical help and justice.
