A way to reduce violence against women

Prosenjit Chatterjee

Introduction

Every year, on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day—a day dedicated to honouring the strength, resilience, and achievements of women. India, too, joins the movement with grand seminars, cultural programs, and awareness campaigns. Banners with bold slogans about women’s empowerment line the streets, leaders give passionate speeches, and social media floods with hashtags demanding equal rights and safety for women. For a day, the entire nation seems united in its commitment to protecting and uplifting women.

But as the lights of these grand celebrations fade, reality strikes back like a cruel joke. Just days before or after these events, another headline shakes the nation—a woman brutally assaulted, another life shattered. The world moves on, but she never does.

This year, even as discussions on women’s rights take centre stage, India is still reeling from the horror of the ‘Avaya’ case in Kolkata. A young junior doctor, full of dreams, walked into her medical college—only to never walk out the same again. What should have been a haven for learning and healing became the site of one of the most horrifying crimes imaginable—a gang rape within the institution itself.

We must ask ourselves: How far have we come in ensuring women’s safety? Are women any safer today than they were decades ago, or have we simply learned to hide these tragedies behind layers of social media activism and empty promises?

Through this article, I won’t just talk about laws or punishment. I will try to find the root cause—why, despite all our progress, do such horrors still happen? Is it just about weak governance, or have we, as a society, contributed to creating an environment where such crimes can flourish? Has excessive freedom, changing lifestyles, and lack of parental guidance played a role? It’s time to stop looking away. It’s time to dig deeper.

Every time an unfortunate incident or a heinous crime makes headlines, social media erupts with reactions—condemnation, outrage, sympathy, warnings, advice, and countless opinions.

If we are indeed surrounded by so many well-wishers, conscious citizens, and advocates of justice, then why do these crimes continue to happen? Are they being committed by beings from another planet? By some inhuman force? No. The harsh truth is that the roots of the problem lie within our society. The so-called progressive mindset that reflects so strongly on social media rarely translates into real-life actions. Everyone wants to project themselves as an ideal, enlightened individual, but beyond that, it’s often just a performance—a superficial display of virtue.

It’s like a renowned intellectual passionately speaking about women’s rights and safety on a talk show, only to return home to a completely different reality. His eighteen-year-old daughter is still out at a midnight party, and his son has taken his father’s car for a late-night joyride with friends. If this is the state of affairs within our own homes, then who will lead the change? How will society transform? This is where the real problem begins—hypocrisy, indifference, and the failure to practice what we preach.

Every time a horrific crime against a woman is reported, society erupts in anger. People demand justice, harsher punishments, and better laws. But once the noise dies down, the same cycle repeats—another case, another outcry, and then silence. Yet, amid all these discussions, an uncomfortable question remains unspoken: Are we, as a society, also responsible for the situations that make women vulnerable?

The world is changing, and with it, lifestyles are evolving. In the name of freedom, young women are adopting habits that sometimes push them into dangerous situations. Late-night parties, alcohol, reckless friendships, and social media-driven validation—are these choices truly empowering, or are they unknowingly paving the way for trouble? And what about parents? In the rush to be modern and progressive, are they failing in their duty to set boundaries and instil discipline?

The Changing Social

Environment and Its Impact

There was a time when a girl returning home after sunset was rare, not out of oppression but out of caution. Families ensured their daughters were safe, and society functioned within certain moral limits. But today, the definition of freedom has changed. The streets remain crowded even past midnight, with young college girls dressed in revealing outfits, laughing loudly, and sometimes intoxicated, unaware of the predators lurking in the shadows.

Social media has only fueled this transformation. Influencers promote bold dressing, partying, and drinking as symbols of empowerment. The youth, desperate to fit in, embrace this culture without questioning its consequences. They believe they are claiming their space in society, but in reality, they may be stepping into a battlefield where not everyone respects their choices.

Are Women Unintentionally Creating a Risky Atmosphere?

No one deserves violence, no matter what they wear or where they go. But can we deny that certain choices increase the chances of becoming a target?

Imagine a young girl walking alone at midnight, dressed in a way that draws unnecessary attention. She may have every right to be there, but does that stop the predators from eyeing her? Just as one wouldn’t leave their house door open in a crime-prone neighbourhood, shouldn’t individuals take personal precautions for their safety?

It’s not just about clothing or being outside at odd hours. Reckless friendships and blind trust have also led many into dangerous traps. How many cases have we seen where girls, influenced by peer pressure, fall into the wrong company, experiment with substances, and later regret it? A moment of thrill can sometimes lead to a lifetime of trauma.

The Role of Parenting in Shaping a Responsible Generation

Charity begins at home, and so does discipline. Parents are the first and most important teachers of a child. Yet, in the race to be ‘modern’ and ‘cool,’ many parents have loosened their grip on discipline.

There was a time when a father’s stern voice was enough to make a child think twice before making a mistake. Mothers were vigilant, teaching their daughters dignity, self-respect, and caution. Today, many parents hesitate to question their children’s choices. They believe in ‘letting them be’ without realizing that guidance is not control—it’s protection.

A daughter comes home late, smelling of alcohol, and instead of questioning her, the parents ignore it to avoid a confrontation. A son watches inappropriate content, and disrespects women, and the family laughs it off as ‘boys being boys.’ Such neglect, disguised as modern parenting, is shaping a generation that neither understands boundaries nor values safety.

The Responsibility of Society in Controlling the Situation

It is easy to say, “Women should be safe anywhere, anytime,” but reality is far from ideal. A society that lacks moral discipline will always be unsafe, regardless of how strong the laws are.

Elders, who once guided the youth, are now silent spectators. Schools focus on academic excellence but fail to teach the values of respect and modesty. Entertainment industries glorify reckless lifestyles, making them appear glamorous. The result? A society where crime flourishes, and when tragedy strikes, people wonder, “How did this happen?” It’s time for society to regain its moral compass. Women must be empowered, but empowerment should not mean carelessness. Men must be taught respect, but respect cannot be demanded if dignity is not upheld from all sides. Discipline should not be seen as oppression; it is the foundation of a strong and safe community.

Finding the Balance: Freedom vs. Responsibility

True freedom is not about doing anything and everything; it is about making choices that ensure dignity and safety. A woman should have the right to go anywhere, wear what she wants, and live her life as she pleases. But with rights come responsibilities. Just as men need to control their urges and respect women, women must also exercise caution and wisdom in their choices.

Instead of blindly following trends, young girls should question whether their actions add to their self-respect or compromise their safety. Parents must play an active role in shaping their children’s values. And as a society, we must all work towards creating an environment where women can be free—not just in law, but in reality.

Conclusion: A Disciplined Lifestyle for a Safer Future

The world is not perfect, and dangers will always exist. While laws and punishments are necessary, real change begins within homes, in the choices we make, and in the values we uphold. If parents instil discipline, if women make wise choices, and if society stops glorifying reckless behaviour, the chances of unfortunate incidents will decrease.

Women deserve respect, safety, and freedom. But just as a fire needs boundaries to provide warmth without destruction, freedom too must be balanced with responsibility. Only then can we build a society where empowerment does not come at the cost of safety?