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The alarming rise in complaints of crimes against women in the country is truly disturbing. It shows that even in the 21st century, Indian society is still male-dominated, which in all certainty works as a barrier to the progress of the nation as women are essential to creating an educated and progressive society. Thus, the recent report of the National Commission of Women (NCW) should not be taken lightly. The report notes a 44 per cent rise in complaints of crimes against women during the first eight months of 2021. The situation demands that each and every complaint should be investigated thoroughly and the guilty should be awarded exemplary punishment to put an end to the prevailing gender discrimination in Indian society. So far, women in India have not received true support from any quarter in the fight against the said discrimination. Steps should be taken to end this discrimination once and for all and without any further delay.
Gender discrimination in Indian society is a relatively new phenomenon. Since the days of Harappan civilisation, women in India were regarded as equal partners in society. There are many instances in history where women stood beside men to avert crises. But it is just the opposite in India today. Now, many Indian women are not allowed to work, girls are forced into child marriages and dowry killings are rampant. Education for girls and women is not prioritised. As a result, the number of female foeticides is on the rise. In all, women in Indian society are treated as secondary to their male counterparts. Several women are not given the liberty to think and act independently. Women’s fates are decided by those who believe women are inferior to men.
It is often argued that there are various laws to help women in distress. According to NCW Chief Rekha Sharma the rise in complaints is the result of the awareness campaign conducted by the commission. The statement may be partially true as more complaints have been lodged in places like Delhi, which is amongst the most advanced cities in the country. But the same cannot be said about women living in rural areas. For women living in villages, lodging a complaint against gender discrimination is still a distant dream and they are heard only when they try to do something drastic to draw the attention of the nation towards the harassment and hardships faced by them.
Thus, the key to ending gender discrimination lies in educating the masses and punishing the guilty, not by flouting the number of complaints received. The numerous complaints stand as testimony to how we have failed to provide women their coveted place in society. Cosmetic measures such as appointing women as community leaders will not help to clear the mess. The situation requires something more than mere lip service. It is imperative that women feel supported in the battle against gender discrimination. Gender discrimination cannot be wiped out by only framing laws or talking about women empowerment.