Having lived in Delhi all my life, I have yet to comprehend the tag given to it by everyone –as the rape capital of the country. The aftermath of the gruesome December 16th rape incidence has had a profound impact on all girls and women living in Delhi.
Female students are looking at job offers in other cities.as long as it is not in Delhi; they are willing to compromise on the incentives and pay scales as well. Senior women are looking to switch jobs. No one is willing to live with the constant fear factor about their safety, with the pressure from family members mounting to move to other cities. Some women have also taken the drastic step of quitting their jobs altogether.
Recently, there was a list of do’s and don’ts outside prominent colleges of Delhi. The advisory issued to them was on the lines of going straight home after classes are over, not responding to eve teasers, tips on how to dodge stalkers and others. Does it not amount to suppressing their liberty of moving about at their own will, in a modern city which will only enhance the levels of discrimination between boys and girls.
While I’m glad that the youth of India has finally decided to take a stand and decided to raise concerns, the government needs to step up and take action. Also, we as individuals need to initiate a change and ensure that we do everything in our willpower to bring an end to this heinous crime. We can start by promising ourselves that we will help anyone we see facing such abuse and not let our fear of getting hurt ourselves stop us from assisting others in trouble.
Saniya Mittal
