Give us a reason to smile, give us a safer India!
They say, time changes everything. It heals wounds. It offers new beginnings. But does it really? It's been a year since that fateful day. That day when an unsuspecting young girl (Nirbhaya as she is now known) was brutally gang-raped by six depraved men on a moving bus, then thrown off the vehicle along with her badly injured male friend and left to die. All in our country's capital, Delhi. Sadly, after a brave battle, she succumbed to her injuries and bid farewell to this world.
One year later, has time changed anything? Has it healed wounds? Or has it only made us indifferent?
As we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of one girl whose story shook our nation, we pledge to continue the fight against injustice that she started for us!
If we truly want things to change, if we want the next generation to not face groping or sexual harassment at the workplace, it is important that we start talking about it openly. If we talk about it, more women will hopefully come forward as well. Talking openly about it is the first step, acknowledging it to be a problem is the next. Solutions can then be found. But it starts with the first step – TALKING!
- Elsa D'Silva, founder of Safecity
We must teach the men in our homes, no matter how old or young, how women should be treated. Teach them gently, over time and do not expect an overnight change. But with sense and logic and not anger and frustration. Do it over and over again till they remember.
- Madhuri Banerjee, author
As a culture, we need to send a message with a unified voice, without dilution or dissent - ‘We won’t stand for this. Like how we treat murder - this is beyond the pale, you cannot do this. We will come down so hard on you, you don’t want to do this - a zero tolerance policy’.
- Sanjay Chopra, pilot and author
It is a long process to educate people that it is crucial to respect women. I believe it starts at home, and comes from a proper upbringing. For now, I feel implementing stringent laws is the only way to make sure women are safe in this country.
- Ankur Verma, graphic designer
Firstly, the need is to change the mindset that women are inferior. Second and most importantly, there has to be strict implementation of laws so that anyone and everyone will think multiple times before exploiting a woman.
- Fenil Seta, writer
I think it is high time we have a death penalty for the rape accused. Such measures will make sure that criminals are adequately made accountable. Such examples will definitely make India a safer place for women.
- Darshan Singh Bagga, finance manager
iDiva.com invites you to tell us how you think we can make India a safer place for women. Let's raise our voices, talk and act NOW to enable change. Leave us a comment below and tweet / post messages on our Facebook page with #Nirbhaya. We need your support in this fight for justice!
Image courtesy: BCCL
iDiva
No comments:
Post a Comment