The Unseen Struggle: Why Women in India Remain Trapped
As India celebrated 75 years of independence, we can’t ignore the fact that, for millions of women, the journey to true freedom is still ongoing. Many are still trapped by societal expectations, facing violence, discrimination, and inequality. While we’ve made strides in education and rights for women, there’s still a long way to go. The harsh reality is that too many women are still fighting to break free from the barriers that hold them back. Their struggle for equality is far from over, and we need to continue pushing for real change.
Riya’s Story: A Dream Cut Short
Riya, a bright 17-year-old from rural Rajasthan, had big dreams. However, when her school lacked proper sanitation facilities, she was forced to drop out. “I felt like my future was being flushed away,” she says, her voice trembling.
Bhavna’s Nightmare: When Safety Fails
Bhavna, a 25-year-old software engineer, thought she had escaped the dangers of her small town. But when a colleague stalked and harassed her, she realized that safety was just an illusion. “I felt trapped, with nowhere to turn,” she recounts, her eyes welling up.
Kavita’s Legacy: A Life Lost
Kavita, a 30-year-old mother from rural Maharashtra, died during childbirth due to inadequate medical care. Her story is a stark reminder of India’s alarming maternal mortality rate. “My sister deserved to live,” says her grieving brother.
Aisha’s Dilemma: Between Family and Ambition
Aisha, a 22-year-old engineering student, is torn between her parents’ expectations and her own dreams. “I want to make a difference, but my family wants me to settle down,” she says, her voice laced with frustration.
Tragedies: A Wake-Up Call
The Nirbhaya case (2012), where a 23-year-old medical student was brutally gang-raped and murdered, shocked the nation. Similarly, the Hathras gang rape case (2020) and the Unnao rape case (2017) highlight the ongoing struggle for women’s safety. In 2022, over 31,000 rape cases were reported, continuing the severe trend that has seen annual figures remain consistently above 30,000 since 2012.
Statistics That Shame
- 30% of Indian women experience domestic violence (National Family Health Survey, 2019-20).
- 40% of Indian women lack access to sanitary napkins (UNICEF, 2020).
- India’s maternal mortality ratio is 174 deaths per 100,000 live births (World Health Organization, 2020).
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 reveals a continued rise in crimes against women in India. In 2022, the number of reported crimes against women increased by 4% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 4,45,256 cases. These crimes include offenses such as cruelty by husbands or relatives, rapes, and abductions. Additionally, cyber crimes against women saw an alarming 11% rise in 2022.
Breaking the Cycle
To shatter the barriers that hold women back, we must:
- Educate and empower girls like Riya: Education is the key to change. By giving young girls the tools and opportunities to learn, we open doors for them to pursue their dreams and become independent. Programs like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative aim to encourage girls to pursue education, but there needs to be a stronger focus on making education accessible and addressing social barriers, such as early marriage and domestic responsibilities, that often pull girls out of school.
- Protect women like Bhavna from violence: Women still face significant threats from domestic violence and sexual harassment. The country must enforce stricter laws and provide better support systems for victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment. Ensuring swift legal action, creating safe spaces, and educating men and boys about respect and consent are crucial steps toward reducing violence. Strengthening initiatives like women’s helplines, shelters, and rehabilitation programs can help protect vulnerable women and offer them a way out of abusive environments.
- Ensure healthcare and reproductive rights for women like Kavita: Women need access to affordable healthcare, especially when it comes to reproductive rights. This includes safe childbirth, contraception, and abortion services, allowing women to make informed decisions about their health and futures. For women like Kavita, living in areas where healthcare is scarce, mobile health units and community healthcare workers can bridge the gap.
- Challenge societal norms that stifle women’s potential: Societal expectations often limit women’s potential, reinforcing traditional roles of homemaker or caregiver. By challenging these norms and promoting equality in homes, workplaces, and communities, we can help women pursue their ambitions without being restricted by outdated expectations. Encouraging men to share domestic responsibilities, supporting women’s career aspirations, and celebrating diverse female role models can help shift these ingrained beliefs.
- Promote women’s representation in leadership: Women’s representation in leadership positions remains low across various sectors. Increasing women’s presence in leadership roles will lead to more inclusive decision-making and policies that truly reflect women’s needs. Mentorship programs, quotas for female leaders, and eliminating biases in hiring and promotion are important steps toward giving women a seat at the table where policies and societal changes are shaped.
A Call to Action
Let’s remember the women who remain trapped. Let’s work together to create a world where Riya, Bhavna, Kavita, and Aisha can live their lives with dignity and freedom.
-Dr Parul Goyal is an accomplished Professor in Management and an Educationist, dedicated to shaping the future of education by empowering young minds to reach their full potential.
