The recent news of a woman tragically to a gang rape in Indore has once again ripped open the festering wound of insecurity that plagues women across our nation. Her death, following a brutal assault, is a stark reminder of the ever-present danger that lurks, even in our seemingly ordinary lives. This horrific incident is not isolated, it is merely the latest in a relentless barrage of violence against women that leaves us questioning: are we women, truly safe?

Just days before, in a village in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district, a 45-year-old mother of two was found unconscious on the side of the road, suffering from severe internal bleeding after being raped. She, too, later died. Her attackers, two men last seen with her, have been arrested, but their capture does little to soothe the profound grief and fear that such incidents arise. These are not just statistics; they are lives shattered, families are shocked, and a collective sense of security is lost with each passing day.

It's unsettling how quickly we seem to forget the horrors of the past, only to be confronted with their echoes in the present. Even in December 2012, the same incident happened and was protested.

At that time, also change was also needed.

That horrific crime took place just a few kilometers from Indore, yet here we are, over a decade later, witnessing the same barbarity. Have we learned nothing? Has the fury of the protests, the promises of stricter laws, all amounted to naught?

The pattern of violence is disturbingly consistent. From the bustling metropolis of Kolkata, another tragic case emerged where a young student doctor, diligently working in a hospital, was raped and murdered. The very spaces that are meant to be safe havens, places of healing and learning, are becoming sites of unimaginable terror. Protests against these acts continue, voices are raised, demands for justice reverberate through the streets, yet no solution, a tangible sense of safety, remains as it is.

Why is it so hard to grasp that girls and women are not objects, not machines, but human beings with lives, dreams, and passionate about their normal family. Do they also have the right to safety and dignity? This fundamental understanding seems to elude a section of our society, leading to the dehumanization of women and, consequently, the justification of violence against them.

Women in our society contribute immensely, often juggling multiple roles with remarkable resilience. They step out for work, striving to help their families overcome financial hardships, contributing to the household income, and striving for a better future. Simultaneously, they bear the brunt of household chores, managing homes, and raising children. Yet, despite their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions, respect often remains elusive. They are seen as secondary, their contributions undervalued, their voices often silenced.

Even a woman who is self-employed, independent, and equipped with self-defense skills is not immune to this pervasive threat. Her strength and autonomy, instead of commanding respect, often make her a target. It's cruel. The very qualities that empower a woman can, tragically, also make her vulnerable in a society that struggles to accept female agency.

Because these crimes reach their outlets when innocent children become victims. Just a few months ago, the nation was shaken by the horrific rape and murder of a three-year-old school child. A three-year-old. What was her fault? What imaginable transgression could a toddler commit to warrant such brutality? The silence that often follows such unspeakable acts, the lack of swift and decisive action against the perpetrators, only deepens the wounds and fosters a sense of hopelessness. Was her only "fault" that she was a girl, and therefore, a perceived target?

The question that relentlessly pounds in our minds is: When will this stop? Day by day, the news headlines bring a fresh wave of despair, detailing yet another instance of rape, another murder, another life extinguished.

Who is responsible for this terrifying surge in violence? Is it the father who might unknowingly perpetuate patriarchal norms within the home? Is it the mother who might, perhaps, inadvertently instill a sense of submissiveness in her daughters? Is it the brother who might, by his actions or inactions, contribute to a culture of disrespect towards women? Or is it the people themselves, the collective consciousness of a society, that allows such atrocities to fester?

The truth is, responsibility is diffuse and complex. It lies within the fabric of our society, in the attitudes we normalize, the silence we maintain, and the impunity we often grant to perpetrators.

Where has mankind gone? This question echoes with increasing urgency as we witness acts that are utterly devoid of empathy, compassion, or basic human decency. The influence of alcohol is often cited as a contributing factor, where men, under its sway, target innocent girls and women, never pausing to consider that their victim might be someone's mother, daughter, sister, or wife. While alcohol can lower inhibitions and fuel aggression, it cannot be the sole excuse for such horrific behavior.

The underlying mindset, the disregard for human life and dignity, exists independently and is only exacerbated by intoxication.

It requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses not just the symptoms but the root causes of this violence. This includes:

• Stricter Enforcement of Laws and Swift Justice: The legal system must act decisively and without delay. Conviction rates need to improve, and justice must be delivered swiftly to deter potential offenders.
• Comprehensive Education and Awareness: Education about gender equality, respect for women, and consent must begin at a young age, both in schools and at home.
• Challenging Mindsets: We need to understand the deep-rooted mindset of women. This requires critical self-reflection and a willingness to challenge ingrained biases.
• Community Engagement and Support Systems: Communities must come together to create safe spaces for women, offer support to victims, and actively work towards preventing violence.

Any training can empower.

Individuals act when they witness potential harm.

• Addressing Alcohol and Drug Abuse: While not an excuse for violence, addressing the issue of alcohol and drug abuse can help reduce a contributing factor.
• Empowering Women: Providing women with education, economic opportunities, and self-defense skills can strengthen their agency and resilience.

The question "Are we women still safe?" cannot be answered with a resounding "yes" until every woman, irrespective of her age, background, or social status, can walk freely without fear. The lives lost in Indore, Khandwa, Kolkata, and countless other places are not just statistics; they are a collective indictment of our failure to protect our own. The time for protests is still not over. We need sustained action, a fundamental shift in societal attitudes, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every woman can live with dignity, security, and peace. Only then can we truly say that women are safe in our nation?

.    .    .