As India marked its 78th Independence Day, the celebrations were overshadowed by the harsh reality that women in this country continue to live in fear. The recent events at RG Kar Medical College serve as a grim reminder that freedom remains elusive for many women, who are forced to navigate a world that constantly puts them in danger.

 

The Tragedy at RG Kar Medical College

The news of a 31-year-old doctor’s rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College has left the nation in shock. Here was a woman who had dedicated her life to healing others, only to have her life brutally taken in a place meant to be a safe haven. The hospital, the authorities, the so-called protectors of law—all of them failed her. But let’s be clear: we failed her. As a society, we have allowed the conditions that lead to such heinous acts to persist. The question is not just why these atrocities happen, but why they are allowed to happen in the first place.

 

While much of the information surrounding the case remains unverified, it is important to focus on the broader issues at play. It is not just about the specifics of this case; it is about the systemic failures that make such cases possible. It is about the victim-blaming that follows every such incident. We hear the same tired questions: “What was she wearing?” “What was she doing out at night?” The myth of the “perfect victim” is trotted out every time, as if the responsibility for preventing rape lies with the victim, rather than the perpetrators and the society that enables them.

 

The Larger Pattern: Violence and Silence

The RG Kar case is not an isolated incident. Just days later, a woman was raped by a Rapido driver in Guwahati, and a hidden camera was found in a restroom at Third Wave Coffee, violating the privacy of countless women. And how do we respond? With guidelines telling women to restrict their movements, to be careful, to live in fear. The blame is once again placed on the victims, while the root causes—casual sexism, unchecked misogyny, and the cultural acceptance of violence against women—remain unaddressed.

 

The Silchar Medical College’s new guidelines are a prime example of this misplaced focus. Instead of addressing the underlying issues that lead to such violence, the guidelines effectively place the burden of women's safety on women. Women are told to avoid isolated rooms, to be more vigilant, and to adjust their lives around the threat of violence. But why should we have to?

 

As Faye D'Souza rightly said, “Women are asking for safety, not protection”

 

The Fight for Justice: A Collective Responsibility

In 2022, over 28,000 rape cases were reported in India, but countless others go unreported due to fear and disillusionment with a justice system that too often fails women. The process of seeking justice can be as traumatic as the crime itself, with victims forced to relive their trauma in police stations and courts, only to see their perpetrators walk free.

 

But the fight for justice cannot be left to the victims alone. It is a collective responsibility that begins with each of us. We must confront the casual sexism and misogyny that pervades our society. We must challenge the harmful narratives that blame victims and excuse perpetrators. We must raise our children to respect and value women as equals, to call out “locker room talk,” and to understand that “boys will be boys” is not an acceptable excuse for bad behaviour.

 

The Call for Change

This is not just a call for better laws or stricter enforcement; it is a call for a cultural shift. We must change the way we view and treat women in our society. We must recognize that the safety and dignity of women are not optional, but fundamental rights. And we must hold ourselves accountable for creating a world where every woman can live, work, and move freely without fear.

 

The change starts with us. It starts when we stop blaming victims and start holding perpetrators accountable. It starts when we stop making excuses and start demanding better from our leaders, our institutions, and ourselves. It starts when we refuse to accept violence against women as an inevitable part of life.

 

To every woman out there: Your anger is valid. Your fear is real. But so is your strength. Together, we can break this cycle of violence. Together, we can demand the respect, the safety, and the justice that we deserve. We owe it to ourselves, to our daughters, and to the memory of every woman who has suffered at the hands of a society that refuses to see us as equals.

 

This is not just about one woman, one case, one incident. This is about all of us. And we will not stop until we are truly free.

 

To All the Men Reading This: We ask for your support, now more than ever. Speak up when you see something wrong. Stand by women, not just when it's easy, but every day. Your actions matter—whether it's calling out sexist behaviour or supporting women’s voices. The time for passive support is over. It’s time for men to step up and be part of the solution, every single day.

If you or someone you know is going through ant forms of abuse, remember, you’re not alone. iDare offers affordable and inclusive support. Reach out and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. ❤️

Like our content? Please show us some support by sharing and up-voting!

Image Credits: Unsplash