Despite the nation’s economic turmoil and the pressing need for discussions on critical economic and political issues, the frequent reports of rape and assault—both within our country and in neighbouring ones—demand our attention.
While sharing my frustration over these incidents with a friend, I overheard a man in his mid-30s whisper to an acquaintance that women, with their constant focus on feminism, are detracting from the more important conversations about the economy and politics.
To my surprise, when I turned around, I realised it wasn’t just these two men expressing such sentiments, but a group of school or high school students, reflecting similar views—opinions that I initially thought came from adults.
It was deeply unsettling to witness young minds harbouring such regressive attitudes. While there may be times when certain topics seem to take precedence over others, when a fundamental right—explicitly protected by our constitution, the supreme law of the land—is grossly violated, it ceases to be a trivial matter.
Some might argue that raising one’s voice within the confines of one’s own country, province, district, or ward is insufficient to effect systemic change. However, these incidents must be brought to light, as they are not merely the concern of the victim, their family, or their immediate community, but of humanity as a whole.
The persistent occurrence of rape and sexual assault, whether on a national or international scale, not only undermines women’s rights but also severely restricts their freedom of movement, access to services, and employment opportunities, thereby exacerbating their vulnerability in the broader world.
While debates continue and the victim may never return despite fervent protests and demands for justice, what the public seeks is for authorities to make amends for their failure to protect her. Though no amount of compensation can ever truly make up for such a grievous loss, the demand for accountability remains a crucial aspect of the collective outcry.
The repercussions of a single incident extend far beyond the immediate tragedy; they impose constraints on women globally. Women are compelled to forgo late-night meetings, overnight shifts, and solitary travel, often needing male accompaniment even for routine errands. The notion of living alone as a woman has become almost metaphorical, highlighting a stark reality where safety concerns overshadow personal freedom. The issue transcends individual victims, evolving into a broader question of who might be next and when this cycle of violence will end. The goal is for women to be recognized and valued for their humanity and character, rather than reduced to their sexuality.
Sexual abuse and assault represent the most extreme outcome of a troubling progression that begins with seemingly minor acts of misconduct. The initial stages—such as offhand jokes, bullying, and derogatory remarks—serve as a foundation for more severe abuse. These behaviours, whether expressed through social media comments, memes, or casual group chats, including belittling women’s intelligence and asserting male superiority, empower abusers and foster an environment conducive to violence.
Combating these crimes requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including you, your voice, and your conscience, to ensure the enforcement of laws, the maintenance of dignity, and a sense of protection for everyone. It is crucial to confront those who trivialise serious issues that conflict with your moral values—speak out and educate them.
The concept of “free consent” must be taught universally, from cities to villages. Creating spaces for conversations about women’s and survivors’ experiences with violence is essential. Sexual and reproductive health education in schools should be mandatory and not skipped. If current educators cannot address these topics effectively, they should be replaced by those who can engage students in meaningful discussions.
Punishments for perpetrators should not be overly formalistic, focusing solely on factors like age. The severity of the crime, as well as the backgrounds of both the victim and perpetrator, must be considered. Compensation for victims should go beyond minimal financial restitution; it should facilitate their reintegration into society, with continuous counselling and psychological support as needed.
Laws should not exclusively prioritise women as victims but adopt a gender-neutral approach to address all cases of abuse. Gender-neutral laws would help bring many hidden and diverse cases to light. Additionally, animal abuse should be classified as a heinous crime.
Ensuring safer transportation, workplaces, families, and public spaces for women is crucial. The culture of victim-blaming must end, and rape laws across South Asia need urgent reform to address their inadequacies and poor enforcement.
Ultimately, society must be welcoming to victims so they do not blame themselves for their experiences. It is our responsibility to create a supportive environment that empowers them. This issue is not limited to women—engage in discussions, even if they are challenging, and take action to build a more inclusive and just society. It will never end unless you are not concerned enough to discuss this.
