I feel it is not a wrong question, but I am curious why this question doesn’t arise for males. Why do only women have to protect themselves and follow safety cautions and rules? I know it is wrong to go out late at night, but why doesn’t this rule or suggestion apply to males?
And when we ask this question, we get the answer that god has created women like that, so they have to protect themselves and it is the duty of parents to teach ‘GIRLS’ not to go out late at night. That’s my question: why aren’t these lessons or morals taught to all children by parents, irrespective of gender? And if these kinds of situations continue, will our dream of ‘VIKSIT BHARAT’ by 2047 come true?
As far as parents are concerned their concern is obviously safety. It is a deep-rooted parental instinct and has its right place in the nurturing of children.
Going out at night is generally an extension of the same instinct since a woman is considered somewhat more vulnerable if attacked by all kinds of people and forces that prowl at night. Boys are supposed to be less of a target. They too may be attacked, but generally for money, whereas a girl may be attacked for worse reasons. All this reflects sadly about a society in general. A society and the government that cannot secure children and especially girls, displays its incompetence at handling crime.
However, the solution is not dharnas, which changes nothing. The solution lies in educating and empowering girls (and also boys) about some basic safety measures. Every town has certain high-risk areas and it should be known to the children. It is not a restriction of Time as a restriction of certain places where the risk is high. However, this is still a limitation. The best way is to equip the woman by encouraging physical education as well as making martial arts for self-defence compulsory in schools. Practical advices such as pepper spray should be kept handy for such exigencies. Children must be educated as to how to be observant about dangers and ways of alerting and escaping should danger arise. To stop them in a blanket way to move at night will only weaken them and encourage the miscreants who gain power through fear.
We must not forget that we are worshippers of Shakti and in Indian culture great importance is given to the Divine in Her Feminine form. In fact, India is the only culture that sees in the goddess not only someone to be respected and revered, loved and cared for, but, on the other hand, one to whom one goes for Protection in her form as Durga and Kali.
Yes, the solution is not restricting girls but empowering them through self-defence methods and educating them.
Morality is a different matter. Though here too, it should be equally applicable to both boys and girls.
Affectionately,
Alok da
