“Eve-teasing is not a harmless joke; it’s the first step towards disrespect and a breach of dignity. Respect for all begins with the smallest acts of kindness.”

Crucial Questions We Must Answer to End Eve-Teasing and Prevent Rape

1. Is staying silent equal to supporting the offender?
2. Why do people still stay silent when a girl is harassed in public?
3. Is it right to dismiss eve-teasing as a “joke”?
4. Are we teaching our sons the importance of ‘respect’ and ‘consent’?
5. If we don’t raise our voice today, will our daughters and sisters be safe tomorrow?
6. How long will women have to live under the shadow of fear?
7. Has society’s silence also become a crime?
8. Is making laws enough, or do we also need to change our mindset?
9. Why are questions always asked to the victim, and not the culprit?
10. Are schools and families educating children about respect and consent?

Summary

Eve-teasing, also known as sexual harassment in public places, is a serious issue for women in India, prevalent in both urban and rural areas. It reflects a mindset that violates women’s dignity and freedom. Eve-teasing takes various forms, such as verbal abuse, inappropriate gestures, and physical harassment. These incidents have a profound psychological and emotional impact on women, often leading to feelings of shame, fear, depression, and mental stress.

The problem Is further exacerbated by deep-rooted gender biases and cultural beliefs in society. Many studies indicate that there is a tendency to blame a woman’s attire or behaviour for such incidents. Although there are laws like Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, only 10–20% of cases are reported. This is mainly due to social stigma and a lack of awareness.

After the Nirbhaya case, legal reforms were made to ensure women’s safety, including provisions for swift justice and stricter punishments. Additionally, measures such as women’s helpline numbers and safety apps have been introduced to enhance their security.

However, legal measures alone are not sufficient. A change in societal mindset towards women is essential. Raising awareness, especially educating men and boys, and effective implementation of strict laws play a vital role in tackling this issue. Thus, to protect women’s rights and ensure their dignity, it is crucial for both society and the government to work together in this direction

Eve-Teasing

Eve-teasing, commonly known as public sexual harassment, is a serious and increasingly prevalent issue in society. It involves both mental and physical harassment of women, girls, and sometimes young women, attacking their dignity and freedom. Eve-teasing manifests in various forms of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, such as obscene comments, inappropriate gestures, stalking, or touching a woman without her consent. This not only harms a woman’s dignity but also promotes inequality and a sense of violence in society.

The Impact of this social issue is extremely severe. Women who fall victim to eve-teasing often experience mental stress, depression, and a lack of self-esteem. Additionally, they begin to feel unsafe and restricted in a negative way, which diminishes their confidence. This deeply affects both their mental and physical health, making their lives insecure. It also negatively influences the status of women in society, where they constantly worry about their safety and freedom.

Women who are victims of such harassment often face many obstacles when trying to raise their voices, such as social pressure, mental fear, and lack of support from their families. As a result, this issue often remains ignored, and it becomes difficult for women to get justice. To ensure that women are free from such harassment, it is essential to address this issue not only through spreading awareness but also through legal and educational measures.

To find a solution to this problem at the societal, familial, and personal levels, we must prioritize proper values, education, and legal protection. Every woman has the right to safety, respect, and freedom in society, and ensuring this depends on our collective efforts.

Types and Forms of Eve-Teasing

Eve-teasing is a serious social crime committed against women, and it is rapidly increasing, especially in public places. It not only violates a woman’s physical rights but also deeply impacts her mental and emotional well-being. There are various types of eve-teasing, the major ones being:

1. Verbal Harassment:

This is one of the most common forms of eve-teasing, where women face vulgar or obscene remarks in public places. This form of harassment not only causes mental stress but also affects a woman’s self-esteem. It often takes the form of “catcalling” or inappropriate comments like “Can I have your number?” or “You look very beautiful.”

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2019 report, 65% of women in India face verbal harassment in public spaces.

2. Physical Harassment:

This occurs when a woman is touched inappropriately or subjected to unnecessary physical contact. It includes making vulgar gestures, touching parts of a woman’s body, or staring in an insulting manner. A research study found that 40% of women face physical harassment in public places, including lewd gestures and groping.

3. Visual Harassment:

This form occurs when a woman is stared at in a sexually suggestive manner or when someone gazes specifically at certain parts of her body. Even without physical contact, this causes mental distress. In India, 35% of women face visual harassment in public areas, which includes being ogled at with lewd intentions.

4. Cyber Harassment:

Cyber harassment is growing rapidly, where women become victims of offensive messages, obscene images, or manipulated photos online. This includes online trolling, vulgar messages, and misuse of personal information on social media platforms. According to a 2020 survey by the Women’s Commission, 20% of women are victims of cyber harassment.

5. Public Harassment:

This type occurs when women are followed or subjected to vulgar gestures in public spaces. It creates a sense of insecurity and affects their confidence. More than 50% of women face physical harassment in public areas, including leering and making obscene gestures.

Psychological and Emotional Impact of Eve-Teasing

Eve-teasing has a profound effect on women’s mental and emotional health. This issue is not just a social concern but affects every aspect of a woman’s life. After experiencing such incidents, women often feel shame, guilt, and insecurity. They may begin to believe that their clothing or behaviour caused the incident. This breaks their self-esteem and weakens them internally.

Eve-teasing generates fear and anxiety among women. When going out in public, they remain constantly alert and feel a looming sense of danger around them. This state restricts their social life. For example, according to a UN Women report, 80% of women in India feel unsafe in public spaces.

Moreover, eve-teasing has long-term effects on mental health. Common outcomes include stress, depression, and lack of self-confidence. Many women start distancing themselves from social activities. Physical health is also affected, with symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, and excessive anxiety.

Family and social relationships are also impacted. Often, families do not take such issues seriously, causing women to hesitate in sharing their feelings. It also creates obstacles in academic and professional lives, where fear leads to a decline in performance.

To prevent these severe impacts of eve-teasing, society must become more sensitive. The solution lies in education, effective laws, and providing women with emotional and mental support.

Legal Framework and Laws: Prevention of Harassment and Molestation Against Women

The Nirbhaya Case: A Turning Point

The Nirbhaya case in December 2012 shook the entire nation and the world. In this brutal incident, a 23-year-old woman was gang-raped and murdered in Delhi. This heinous crime sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. People demanded strict laws for justice and women’s safety.

In response to this public outcry, the government established the Justice J.S. Verma Committee to recommend legal reforms for preventing crimes against women. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the “Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013” was passed. This act brought significant changes to the legal framework related to crimes against women and introduced stricter penalties.

The Nirbhaya case not only became a symbol of legal transformation but also served as a crucial moment in shifting society’s attitude toward the safety and dignity of women.

Provisions under Indian Penal Code (IPC)

• Section 354A IPC – Sexual Harassment

This section provides strict provisions to prevent sexual harassment of women and considers the following acts as offenses:

1. Physical contact and unwelcome sexual overtures
2. A demand or request for sexual favors
3. Showing pornography
4. Making sexually colored remarks

Punishment:

1. For acts (i), (ii), (iii): Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
2. For act (iv): Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
3. This law ensures the dignity and safety of women and offers legal recourse against sexual harassment.

• Section 354B IPC – Assault or Use of Criminal Force to Disrobe a Woman

Whoever assaults or uses criminal force on a woman with the intention of disrobing her, or compels her to be naked, shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 3 years, which may extend to 7 years, and shall also be liable to fine.

• Section 354C IPC – Voyeurism

Whoever watches, captures the image of a woman engaged in a private act, or disseminates such image under circumstances where she would usually have an expectation of not being observed, is liable for the offense.

Punishment:

1. First conviction: Imprisonment not less than 1 year and up to 3 years, along with a fine.

Explanation 1:

“Private act” includes an act carried out in a place which ensures privacy, where the woman’s genitals, buttocks, or breasts are exposed or covered only in undergarments, or when she is using a toilet, or engaged in a sexual act not ordinarily done in public.

Explanation 2:

If the victim consents to the capturing of an image but not to its distribution, any dissemination of that image is considered an offense under this section.

• Section 354D IPC – Stalking

Implemented to safeguard women’s privacy and security, this section makes it an offense to follow a woman against her will or monitor her online activities.

Types of Offense:

1. Repeatedly contacting or attempting to befriend a woman against her wishes.
2. Monitoring her internet, email, or other digital communications.

Exceptions:

1. Stalking by authorized personnel for the prevention or investigation of a crime.
2. Stalking in accordance with legal provisions.
3. Reasonable and justified conduct under specific circumstances.

Punishment:

1. First offense: Up to 3 years of imprisonment or fine.
2. Second offense: Up to 5 years of imprisonment or fine.
3. Support System: Helplines and NGOs

In India, numerous helplines and NGOs are actively working for the safety and empowerment of women. These organizations provide immediate assistance to women facing harassment, violence, or any other crisis.

The National Women’s Helpline (1091), operated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, offers 24/7 support to women in distress due to harassment, violence, or any form of crisis. This helpline receives over 100,000 calls annually and provides legal, mental, and social support to women. In addition, the All India Women Helpline (181) serves as another vital resource available to women for resolving a wide range of issues. The Sakshi Helpline (9999 9999 78) offers legal and psychological support to women, while the Child Helpline (1098) is specifically dedicated to children and adolescents.

Along with these, NGOs such as Rang De are working towards improving the status of women. Rang De, a Bangalore-based NGO, provides counseling, legal aid, and empowerment to women who have faced harassment. Sakshi, another prominent NGO, plays a significant role in protecting women’s rights by offering legal and social assistance in cases of violence and exploitation. Additionally, organizations like Provi and Crime Stoppers are also active in reporting crimes against women and providing legal support.

Besides these helplines and NGOs, ride-hailing services like Uber and Rapido also prioritize women’s safety. Uber offers features such as a female driver option, emergency button, live tracking, and ride-sharing with family through its app. Similarly, Rapido provides features like an emergency button, background checks of drivers, and live tracking, which make travel safer for women.

The goal of all these helplines, NGOs, and safety services is to provide women with a safe and supportive environment so that they can receive immediate help in any situation of harassment or violence.

Role of Family and Education in Preventing Eve-Teasing

Eve-teasing is a serious social issue that can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous for women and girls. Family and education play a crucial role in preventing it. Both aspects significantly shape a child’s mindset and behavior and serve as the most effective tools to promote respect and equality for women in society.

The family has the earliest and most significant influence on any individual’s life. The family is the first school where children learn moral values, gender equality, and respect. When boys and girls are given equal opportunities and respect at home, they are more likely to reflect such behavior in society. Boys and girls raised in such families show respect and sensitivity toward women and girls in the wider world. Furthermore, family support and trust are vital. Girls and women who receive emotional and mental support from their families feel more confident in facing any kind of harassment. They are not only able to raise their voice against abuse but also become more capable of self-defense.

Education also plays an important role. Schools are places where children mature socially and develop a deep understanding of their behavior. When gender sensitization programs are run in schools, they teach children that women and men should be treated with equal respect. These programs help both boys and girls understand that harassing or misbehaving with women is wrong. According to UNICEF reports and research by Kantar Public and Plan India, such programs have reduced eve-teasing incidents by up to 40% in several areas. When children learn during their education that everyone deserves respect, their mindset and outlook become more positive, which helps reduce incidents of abuse in society.

Additionally, teaching about women’s rights in schools helps girls understand their rights, and if they ever face harassment, they become empowered to take action. Children are also informed about legal measures and safety protocols, helping them take steps toward protecting themselves and defending their rights.

Therefore, if both family and education work together to provide gender-sensitive and rights-based education, then incidents like eve-teasing and harassment can be significantly reduced. This collective effort from families and educational institutions is essential to ensure a safe and equal society.

The Influence of Culture and Media

Media and culture play a crucial role in shaping the values and ideologies of society. In particular, media significantly influences the way society views and treats women. A report by The Hindu highlights that media, especially Bollywood, often normalizes disrespectful behavior toward women. In many films, women are objectified, where their worth is measured by their physical appearance or sexual appeal. This sends a dangerous message that violence or disrespect toward women is acceptable, ultimately increasing societal disregard for women.

In several Bollywood examples, women are portrayed as characters solely for male entertainment or viewed from a male perspective. Such portrayals can create harmful perceptions among the youth, leading to increased incidents of harassment and eve-teasing. This is a negative impact of the messages spread by media, which harm the dignity and identity of women.

On the other hand, media also has a positive side. Campaigns like #MeToo have raised awareness about women’s rights and safety. This movement not only encouraged women to speak out but also emphasized that harassment and molestation are not just personal issues, but broader social and legal problems. The #MeToo campaign empowered women to demand safety and inspired others to fight against such injustices.

To promote the positive impact of media, films and TV shows have begun portraying women as strong, independent, and professional individuals. When women are shown in lead roles and appreciated for their skills and hard work, it sends a clear message that women are much more than just beauty or physical attraction. Such representation takes a step forward in promoting women’s rights and dignity.

Furthermore, media plays another crucial role in highlighting cases of violence, harassment, or molestation against women. This not only helps victims seek justice but also increases awareness in society that such behavior should not be tolerated. If media fulfills its responsibilities responsibly, it can bring about significant positive change in society.

Therefore, the influence of media should not be limited to entertainment. It can be a powerful tool to shift society’s perspective on women in a positive direction. When media and society work together to spread awareness about women’s rights and equality, it can play a significant role in reducing violence, harassment, and exploitation of women.

Women Empowerment and Self-Defense

Studies show that self-defense training helps women feel more confident in protecting themselves from harassment. In India, programs like “Self-Defense for Women” have been implemented across various states, with nearly 75% participation. These programs physically empower women, helping them not only protect themselves but also become aware of their rights. Self-defense makes women mentally and physically stronger and equips them to deal with unexpected situations.

Additionally, technological empowerment is also vital. Apps like bSafe and Nirbhaya have been downloaded by millions of women, enabling them to get instant help during harassment. These apps allow women to share their location, alert police and family members, and receive assistance quickly in many cases. Such tools offer women a new platform to protect their rights and ensure they don’t feel alone in a crisis.

Combining both approaches—self-defense training and technology—provides women with both physical security and mental strength. When women know that they have the resources and support to protect themselves, their confidence increases, and they are more likely to raise their voices in society.

Thus, self-defense training and access to technological tools are essential for women’s empowerment. These efforts help raise awareness of women’s rights and safety and prepare them to face any emergency, ultimately contributing to a safer society.

Steps for Action by Society and Individuals

A key survey conducted by Global Citizen found that while 85% of men believe it is important to intervene when witnessing eve-teasing, less than 10% actually take action. This shows that while most people recognize harassment as wrong, very few actively try to stop it.

The most crucial step in solving this issue is the spread of education and awareness. It is essential to teach boys and men about consent, respect, and women’s rights. This awareness should be promoted in schools, colleges, and other institutions so that the younger generation adopts the right mindset and develops a respectful attitude toward women.

Additionally, families, schools, and communities must take responsibility for preventing harassment against women. Children must be taught from home that men and women are equal and that harassment or disrespect of any kind is unacceptable. Similarly, society must understand that eve-teasing is not just a woman’s personal issue but a collective social responsibility.

It is also important to promote a culture of active intervention. When someone witnesses harassment or eve-teasing, they should not remain silent but take action. It is our responsibility to not ignore any form of harassment and to take steps to stop it. This will not only reduce such incidents but also give victims the courage to speak out.

Moreover, laws and administration must be strengthened to ensure quick action in harassment cases. Society and the government must work together to ensure that offenders are punished and victims get justice. Bringing change requires collective efforts. Only when men and women receive equal rights and respect can we effectively eliminate the issue of harassment.

Conclusion: Toward a Safe Society

A report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (2019) emphasized that creating a safe environment for women requires collective efforts at the government, societal, and individual levels. The report also highlighted the growing importance of gender equality as an effective means to eradicate issues like eve-teasing.

In today’s world, it is crucial that all sections of society work together to prevent the rise in violence and harassment against women. The report suggests that the government should not only enforce strict laws but also promote gender equality through educational and awareness programs.

Legal measures alone cannot solve this problem; social and cultural change is also necessary. When society starts respecting women’s rights and offers them equal status, we can truly eliminate harassment and eve-teasing. For this, it is vital to teach children at home that every individual, regardless of gender, deserves equal respect and rights.

Ultimately, building a safe society is possible only when all members unite to ensure safety and equality for women. We must understand that women’s safety is not just their personal issue but the responsibility of the entire society. This is the path to a safe, respectful, and equal society.

.    .    .

References:

1. Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. (2019).
2. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India. (2020).
3. UNICEF India. (2020).
4. Interview with Nirbhaya’s Parents (2012):
5. This interview was conducted with the parents of Nirbhaya, in which they emphasized the need for stricter laws and social change regarding women’s safety. The interview was published across various media platforms. Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research (2019):

Interviewer: “What do you think is the most essential step to prevent harassment and eve-teasing against women in society?”

Interviewee: “I believe the first step should be educating boys and men about respect and consent. If they understand the importance of respecting women, many problems will resolve on their own.”

Interviewer: “Have you ever witnessed harassment against women in your surroundings? If yes, what did you do in that situation?”

Interviewer: “Yes, I have witnessed it a few times and have always tried to intervene. I believe if we stay silent, we become accomplices in the crime. Whenever I saw something, I tried to stop the person and encouraged others to help too.”

Interviewer: “Do you think education can play a vital role in women’s safety?”

Interviewer: “Absolutely, education is very important. If we teach children about equality, respect, and consent from an early age, they can grow up to bring change in society. This education can also contribute to women’s safety.”

Interviewer: “In your opinion, what steps should society and the government take to ensure women’s safety?”

Interviewer: “The government should implement strict laws and ensure a safe environment for women. Society also needs to change its mindset. Women’s rights should be understood and supported at every level.”