The results of the poll have outraged many, given India fared worse than nations like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and even Pakistan, but for others, it was also a sign that things hadn’t improved for women.
So, the ‘naming and shaming game’ continues. This time, it’s our India facing the flak for being the world’s most unsafe country for women. If the recent poll of 548 people conducted online, by phone and in person between March 26th March-May 4th comprising Europe, Africa, the Americas, South East Asia, South Asia and the Pacific, were to be believed, India is an unsafe nation for women.
The respondents included aid professionals, academicians, healthcare staff, non-government organisation workers, policy-makers, development specialists and social commentators. This means 548 random people across the world decided to brand our nation unsafe and we, as citizens chose to go bananas, blaming the government for bringing such disgrace to our pious mother India.
The National Commission For Women Expresses I’ts Displeasure
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Even the National Commission for Women (NCW) rejected the survey report, claiming that the sample size was small and could not be representative of the whole country.
“The Commission rejects the survey in question. For a nation as big as India, with a population of approximately 1.3 billion, the sample size of the survey is not representative of the country as a whole,” said the National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma in her statement.
“Women are very aware in India of issues and there is no way that we could be ranked number one in such a survey. The countries that have been ranked after India have women who are not even allowed to speak in public,” Sharma said, without naming any specific country.
How India Fares Against The Others
Talking of gender equality, in Iran, certain universities ban female students from studying specific subjects, usually those concerning engineering and technology. In Mississippi in the US, a rapist can claim parental right over a child. In Israel, a woman needs her husband’s permission to get a divorce. In UAE, women have had to fight for their right to drive on the roads.
And to speak of ensuring women’s ‘safety’, in Saudi Arabia, women aren’t allowed to try clothes while shopping, as it means that they would have to get naked behind the dressing room, which doesn’t go down well with the men. Thank heavens, they are ‘allowed’ to use the washrooms in malls and multiplexes.
India’s gender equality progress: On recent developments
- Global Gender Gap Index: India ranks 129th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, indicating a significant disparity between men and women in areas like economic participation, educational attainment, health, and political empowerment.
- Gender Inequality Index: While India has made some progress, it still ranks 108 out of 193 countries in the United Nations Development Programme’s 2022 Gender Inequality Index, highlighting continued challenges in areas such as maternal mortality, adolescent birth rates, and women’s representation in parliament.
- Positive Trends: India has seen improvements in women’s educational attainment and a decline in maternal mortality rates. Additionally, there has been an increase in women’s participation in the workforce, although it remains relatively low compared to global averages.
- Ongoing Challenges: Significant challenges remain in addressing issues like gender-based violence, child marriage, and discrimination in the workplace. Women’s political representation is also relatively low, despite efforts to increase it.
- Government Initiatives: The Indian government has implemented various programs and policies aimed at promoting gender equality, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (a savings scheme for girls), and the reservation of seats for women in local governance bodies.
Related reading: A Strong Career Woman To The World, She Suffered Domestic Violence At Home
Is There Any Safe Haven For Women At All?
The point one is trying to drive home is, no nation can ever create a ‘safe haven’ for women. There are umpteen examples of women being sexually exploited, raped and murdered across the globe. In the times that we live in, there isn’t any country which can be called ‘safe’ for women. The #MeToo campaign showed the world that sexual harassment is everywhere around us and not limited to any particular nation. So, why this rat race for being the ‘safest nation for women’?
Related reading:The Rising Threat Of Acid Attacks
Will the scenario change if another 548 random people poll India as the safest nation for women? Deep down, we all know where we stand. Do we really need a silly poll to show us our place in the world? Instead of ranting about politicians, art and cinema being responsible for the rising number of crimes against women, how about cleaning up our own acts?
We can surely begin by raising our son right and by bringing to book the roadside eve teaser whom we conveniently ignore while commuting to our workplace. Women can name and shame the person molesting or leching at her, while men can support her instead of just being mute spectators.
It’s high time we realise that there’s a difference between gender equality and gender bashing. Women’s safety and men’s silence. Unsafe nation and safe haven. Poll facts and home truths.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out to the National Commission for Women helpline for support and resources.
FAQs
1. What was the basis of the claim that India is the most unsafe country for women?
A poll conducted by Thomson Reuters Foundation of 548 experts across various fields ranked India as the most dangerous country for women based on factors like healthcare, discrimination, cultural traditions, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, and human trafficking.
2. How does the article propose addressing the issue of women’s safety?
It emphasises focusing on individual actions and societal changes, such as raising boys with respect for women, actively intervening against harassment, and holding perpetrators accountable.
3. What are the arguments against India being the most unsafe country?
The article highlights that no country can be considered a “safe haven” for women, as gender-based violence and discrimination exist worldwide. It also points out restrictions on women’s rights and safety in other countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the US.
Final Thoughts
Every nation faces unique challenges, and India is no exception. However, progress is being made, from legal reforms to grassroots movements empowering women. Rather than dwelling on the negatives, let’s celebrate the women who are breaking barriers and redefining societal norms.
Ultimately, creating a safe and equitable world for women is a collective responsibility. It’s about changing mindsets, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced. It’s about fostering an environment where women are not just safe, but empowered to reach their full potential.
Let’s move beyond the “naming and shaming game” and focus on the real work: building a society where women are valued, respected, and free to thrive.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of abuse, consider seeking support through individual or group counseling sessions to address the trauma and begin the healing process.
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I do not believe in comparision games but I am not safe and no woman in India can claim it. NO WOMAN IN INDIA CAN and that is shameful.