As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence and Harassment Against Women, India, a country aspiring to global leadership, stands under the shadow of an unrelenting epidemic of violence against its women. With a history steeped in rich culture and diverse traditions, India’s present reality is mired in a crisis that challenges its moral, social, and legal fabric. From metropolitan hubs to rural heartlands, the threat of harassment, sexual violence, and impunity looms large over women across all strata of society. Despite economic growth and technological advancements, India’s inability to protect its women from sexual violence starkly contrasts with its ambitions to be recognized as a global superpower. The harrowing stories of assault, systemic failures, and societal complicity paint a grim picture of a nation struggling to reconcile its cultural identity with the principles of modernity, justice, and equality.
A Grim Reality: Violence Beyond Numbers
India’s reputation as one of the most dangerous places for women is not unwarranted. The statistics are staggering and unrelenting: over 31,000 rape cases reported in 2022, and an average of 40,000 cases annually in 2023 and 2024. These numbers expose only the tip of the iceberg, as countless cases go unreported due to societal stigma, victim-blaming, and distrust in the justice system. Delhi, the capital city and supposed emblem of Indian governance and progress, averages four rapes per day. Such figures are a damning indictment of a system that has normalized violence against women. Despite decades of promises, the streets, workplaces, and even homes remain perilous for Indian women. High-profile cases such as the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case initially ignited national outrage and promises of reform. But years later, these promises remain unfulfilled. Rather than declining, the frequency of such heinous crimes has increased, revealing a society that is apathetic at best and complicit at worst.
Unsafe Everywhere: From Streets to Institutions
The violence is not confined to shadowy streets or rural outposts; it festers in institutions meant to symbolize safety and discipline. A study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) found that 35% of female medical staff feel unsafe during their shifts. This alarming statistic reflects a larger societal failure to create safe spaces for women. The case of the young female doctor brutally raped and murdered during a 36-hour shift at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College in August 2024 sent shockwaves across the nation. Hospitals, revered as sanctuaries for healing and care, are now stained with the blood of their own workers. This case exposed not only the vulnerability of women in workplaces but also the failure of institutions to protect them from predators. Even India’s armed forces, long regarded as symbols of national pride, are riddled with cases of moral misconduct and sexual violence. Reports of high-ranking officers exploiting female subordinates reveal a troubling culture of impunity. Incidents involving figures like Maj Gen RS Jaswal, who was accused of harassing a junior female officer, highlight systemic issues that tarnish the military’s reputation and undermine trust in its integrity.
The Culture of Impunity: Weak Laws and Weaker Enforcement
India’s legal framework for addressing violence against women has been consistently undermined by weak enforcement and flawed application. The introduction of harsher penalties post-2012, including the death penalty for certain rape cases, was intended to deter offenders. However, these measures remain largely symbolic, as conviction rates for rape hover between 27% and 28%, exposing a justice system riddled with inefficiency and bias. Law enforcement often exacerbates the problem. Police personnel, tasked with protecting citizens, are frequently accused of mishandling cases, shaming victims, or shielding perpetrators. This culture of impunity emboldens offenders and perpetuates the cycle of violence. Senior criminal lawyer Rebecca M. John aptly observes that the lack of fear of the law among rapists is a significant factor in the persistence of these crimes. The absence of accountability sends a clear message: women’s lives and dignity hold little value in the eyes of the state.
Tourists and Foreign Women: A Global Embarrassment
India’s failure to protect its women has global repercussions, tarnishing its image as a safe destination for international visitors. Cases of sexual violence against female tourists have become alarmingly frequent, deterring travelers from experiencing India’s cultural richness. One such incident occurred in March 2024, when a 28-year-old foreign vlogger was gang-raped while camping with her husband near Ranchi. Such horrifying events not only devastate the victims but also underscore the systemic failures that allow such atrocities to occur. The message is clear: if India cannot ensure the safety of its own citizens, it is even less likely to protect visitors.
Systemic and Cultural Rot
India’s battle against violence is not merely a legal or political issue; it is deeply rooted in its societal and cultural framework. The patriarchal norms that dominate Indian society place women in positions of subservience, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. These deeply ingrained attitudes manifest in the normalization of harassment, victim-blaming, and impunity for perpetrators. Ranjana Kumari, a prominent gender rights activist, has repeatedly pointed out that weak law enforcement and societal complacency are major drivers of the crisis. The legal and social systems in India often conspire to silence victims and shield offenders, perpetuating a culture of injustice.
A Path Forward: Actions, Not Promises
India’s aspirations of becoming a global leader and an economic powerhouse are meaningless if half its population lives in fear. Genuine progress requires a comprehensive overhaul of societal attitudes, institutional practices, and legal mechanisms.
Education must play a pivotal role in dismantling patriarchal norms and fostering respect for women’s rights. Simultaneously, the justice system must be reformed to ensure swift and fair trials, robust enforcement of laws, and zero tolerance for sexual violence. Institutions like the military and police must lead by example, rooting out offenders within their ranks and demonstrating accountability.
Conclusion
India stands at a crossroads, grappling with the choice between perpetuating its systemic failures or committing to meaningful change. The international community watches as the country struggles to reconcile its ancient traditions with the demands of a just and equitable modern society. For a nation that aspires to lead the world, the safety and dignity of its women must become non-negotiable. Anything less would not only betray its women but also undermine its moral and political credibility on the global stage.
*The writer is a Pakistan-based researcher and policy analyst. He frequently writes on issues related to regional security with a special focus on contemporary South Asia.
December 3, 2024
The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of Aequitas Review.
