India needs to address the urgent issue of women’s safety, which has recently attracted national and worldwide attention. India is one of the most risky nations in the world for women because of the persistent violence, harassment, and discrimination that women there experience, despite the nation’s economic prosperity and growing global importance. The National Crime Records Bureau reports that compared to 2018, the number of offences against women increased by 7.3 per cent in 2019. 4,05,861 incidents of crimes against women were reported in the same year, including rape, kidnapping, domestic abuse, and sexual harassment. These data only include occurrences that were recorded, as many incidents go unreported out of fear of revenge and social stigma. The strongly ingrained patriarchal mentality that still rules in many areas of India is one of the main causes of worries about women’s safety in that country. Women experience gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and violence, and are frequently perceived as inferior to men. Gender stereotypes are perpetuated through a number of social and cultural practices, including dowry, child marriage, and honour killings. In order to address concerns about women’s safety, the Indian government has implemented a number of steps, including the passing of laws and the beginning of numerous programmes. The Indian government revised the criminal code in 2013 to impose harsher penalties for crimes against women, including the death penalty in some rape cases.
The Nirbhaya Fund, which aims to improve the safety and security of women in the nation, was also established by the government. Women in India still experience numerous types of assault and harassment, notwithstanding these efforts. Implementing laws and rules is one of the main obstacles to addressing women’s safety concerns in India. India’s criminal justice system is infamous for being cumbersome, inefficient, and having a low conviction rate for crimes against women. Furthermore, women frequently find it challenging to pursue justice due to corruption and gender bias in the system. Women’s lack of knowledge about their rights and how to get assistance in the event of abuse or harassment is another important problem. As a result of their often ignorant knowledge of their legal rights and the resources at their disposal, women are more susceptible to abuse and exploitation. In order to raise women’s knowledge and education about their rights and safety, the government and civil society organizations need to adopt proactive actions. The #MeToo movement has gained momentum in India in recent years as more women come forward to tell their stories of sexual assault and harassment. The prevalence of gender-based violence and harassment has been brought to light thanks to this campaign, which has also increased pressure on the government and other stakeholders to take effective action to address the problem. In addition to the government, numerous NGOs, activists, and members of civil society have been constantly working to address issues related to the safety of women in India. They have been implementing initiatives and programmes to increase understanding, provide education and training, offer support and assistance to women who have been subjected to abuse and harassment, and raise public awareness. Assam, like many other parts of India, has been grappling with the issue of women’s safety for a long time.
The state has been witness to numerous incidents of violence against women, including rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. However, in recent years, the Assam government has taken several steps to ensure women’s safety in the state. The state has implemented the Assam State Policy on Women, which aims to create a safe environment for women and protect their rights. The policy includes provisions for providing legal and medical aid to women who have been victims of violence. The Assam government has also launched several initiatives, such as the Durga Sakthi Vahini, which is an all-women police force that focuses on preventing crime against women. The state police have also set up women’s help desks in every police station to provide immediate assistance to women in distress. Assam has also implemented the One Stop Centre scheme, which provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence. The centres provide a range of services, including medical aid, legal assistance, and counselling. Furthermore, the state government has made efforts to create awareness about women’s rights and their safety through various campaigns and programmes. The government has also set up a toll-free helpline number (181) for women in distress. While these efforts have helped to some extent, there is still a long way to go in ensuring women’s safety in Assam. The state needs to address issues such as gender discrimination, patriarchal attitudes, and a lack of awareness among men about women’s rights. It requires a collective effort from the government, civil society, and the public to create a safe and secure environment for women in Assam. In conclusion, there is still a serious issue with women’s safety in India, and it will need a coordinated effort from all parties to resolve it. To ensure that women who have been the victims of abuse and harassment receive justice, the government must effectively implement laws and make sure the criminal justice system operates successfully. Additionally, there is a need to better inform and educate women about their safety and legal rights. In this sense, civil society organisations and activists are crucial, and they should keep up their efforts to make India’s society for women safer and more equal. Women cannot fully engage in and contribute to the growth and development of the nation unless they feel safe and empowered.
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