Living alone in a city like Mumbai is NOT easy. I have heard a lot of people say that the city is extremely safe for girls and that they can travel alone at night without any fear. I would like to say that Yes, it may be comparatively safer with respect to other cities like Delhi (the city where I come from) but it still isn’t completely safe. Actually I believe that no place under the sun can be completely safe for girls/women (except their own homes). Everywhere they go they have to live under constant fear.
“I hope my clothes aren’t too revealing. I hope no one is following me. Oh God!! Why is that guy staring at me…”
Trust me these concerns are not unique to You and Me. They are universal, not bound by space or boundaries.
I remember overhearing a particular conversation once which went on something like this: “Did you hear about the XYZ rape case? Why was the girl out so late? I’m sure she must have worn “inviting” clothes. . .”
I mean why on earth would any woman want to invite something like this. Why is it that a woman who is out alone till late is assumed to be “fallen” woman and her character is questioned? Why isn’t the society (read men) ready to accept women as equal? Women are as competent and as capable as men are, if not more. They should have the same freedom as men have…they should be able to do what they want…
Over the years I have heard a lot of discussion on women’s liberation and women’s rights. Then why are women still considered inferior to men? Why does a woman always need the “protection” of a man? Why can’t a woman live life on her owns terms?
In my opinion when women will be able to live independently without any fear, only then will they be liberated in the truest sense of the word.