Unattainable Safety for Women: A Concern Raised?
In the past three weeks, I've found myself grappling with a new fear because my husband might be heading out of town for an on-site work stint. This unknown temporal absence has sent me spinning. I've got legitimate concerns—like missing my partner, juggling work and home solo, and so forth. But the real kicker is a fear I never thought I'd harbor—the fear of living alone.
This isn't my newlywed self talking; I've been a lone wolf for years. In college, I used to travel far and wide, effortlessly. Even in my early career, I'd venture off to unexplored corners on deputation, feeling perfectly secure. Now, the mere thought of going it alone gives me the chills. But why? What changed?
Well, the world did. And in this day and age, it's impossible to ignore the stark reality that our country has ceased to be the paradise it once seemed. To some, it might appear overly dramatic, an irrational flight of fear or dependence. But for the millions of women out there, it's a fact of life that hits close to home.
Every day brings headlines of a crime against a woman, be it a major international case or a small local story tucked away in a corner of the newspaper. Just look back on the recent headlines—the Delhi gang rape, the Hyderabad abduction and rape, the Mumbai IT professional's abduction and murder. Ones that made the news are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the violence faced by countless women daily.
When I learned of the Delhi gang rape, I was consumed by the gruesome images that replayed in my mind like a disturbing movie. The brutal scene stayed with me for weeks, making it difficult to focus, sleep, or even close my eyes. After I finally managed to pull myself together, I was shaken once more by the news of a young woman being abducted and raped in broad daylight in a busy Hyderabad locality. The thought that this could happen to any woman, including me, continuously haunts me. And before I could breathe free again, news surfaced of my former trainee, last seen in Mumbai and later found dead in a suburban area.
Living in fear isn't a way to live life, and I understand that I can't spend my days distrusting everyone and everything. However, in today's world, the feeling of safety is a fragile, elusive illusion. Traveling, no matter how short a trip, has become daunting, and just stepping out the door raises concern.
The harsh truth is that the safety of women in our country has become a pipedream. tales of violence in private spaces, such as homes, are heartbreakingly common, while incidents in public spaces serve as grim reminders of the need for heightened awareness and safety measures.
Despite the challenge, addressing this issue demands a multifaceted approach, including strengthening legal frameworks, fostering gender equality, improving urban safety, and supporting communities and women themselves. Some Indian states have made strides in terms of women's safety by implementing progressive policies, bolstering community engagement, and targeting specific interventions like educating men and economically empowering women. But much work remains to be done, as persistent challenges remind us that the fight for safety is far from over.
In the midst of this newfound fear, I find myself questioning my ability to maintain my usual lifestyle,, especially when it comes to managing my home-and-garden responsibilities while alone. This uncertainty about handling life on my own has become increasingly troubling as I recall the numerous headlines of violence against women, making me fearful for my safety even within the confines of my own home.
