The Evolution of Rape - From Political Tool, Candle Marches to #Me_Too Movement
Every other day we woke up reading news somewhere in the crime section of various leading newspapers that rapes are being done along the length and breadth of our country. Some among us read this section with utmost grief and blame the concerned administration or may lambast the victims/accused, while some may blame the society and ignore it by believing that rapes will not stop in this country forever. It may sound true if we peek into the various reports like Thomas Reuters Foundation where they found India as the most dangerous country for women with sexual violence rife. Besides, India ranked 133 out of 167 countries in Women, Peace & Security Index. About 33,658 rape cases has been registered across India in 2017. But, however, as a historically cultural and progressive democratic nation, we have to find solutions to this demonic menace and empower women to cope up with men equally in day-to-day life with pride and honour.
Rape - Political & Military tool
The rape was propagated as political tool since ages as the winning side will gain land, treasure and women after ousting their opponents. Rape, as a tool, was also used to spread religion or sometimes, used in ethnic cleansing. The bloodiest history of World War II was filled with innocent blood of thousands of Chinese women in Nanjing Massacre committed by Japanese soldiers in 1937. The women in war-torn and ISIS controlled Middle East are subjected to severe sexual violence post Arab Spring of 2011.
Veer Savarkar in his book 'Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History' justified rape as political tool and had fantasized Hindu Kings raping Muslim women. He even criticized the Maratha hero Chhatrapati Shivaji for sparing daughter-in-law of Muslim governor of Kalyan region whom he defeated in war. He lambasted Peshwa Chimaji Appa for sending back wife of Portuguese Governor of Bassein after the capturing the region. The Kunan Pushpora mass rapes of 1991 allegedly by four personnel of Rajputana Rifles sowed a hatred in Kashmiri hearts. In contemporary times, we have witnessed rape as a political tool after the emergence of Bilkis Bano gangrape case in national media to which Hon’ble Supreme Court directed the Gujarat government to give a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh in April this year. The Delhi gangrape of 2012 shook the entire country and people from all sections took to the streets with candle marches and protested for the action to be taken against the perpetrators. But, the Kathua incident, popularly known as Asifa case, was given communal colour by political parties and it started Hindu vs Muslim debate which was very disgraceful to this great nation.
Candle Marches & Other forms of Protests
Almost after every rape case which comes into limelight, people throng along the roads with candles in support of victims and asking for justice. In the recent rape case of Disha (Doctor from Hyderabad), people went to show their anger by leading a violent mob and attacked the convoy of police in which accused were being taken to the court for case hearing. The emotional psyche of people is slowing changing to violent phase day-by-day after each case from peaceful candle marches. In recent past, many women spoke against sexual violence on social media through #Me_Too movement where names of prominent personalities like Anu Malik, MJ Akbar, Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Chetan Bhagat among others were surfaced with serious allegations. Actress Sri reddy took out nude protest against sexual exploitation in Tollywood industry.
Laws against Rape
Rape is defined under section 375 of Indian Penal Code. It was modified to a strict format after Delhi gangrape incident in the form of Criminal Amendment Act, 2013. Also, we have POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, 2012 which gives punishment for sexual violence committed against children under 18 years of age. Additionally, there is Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 which may be used by working women against sexual violence.
Way Forward
Social reforms and stringent punishment along with full conviction rate may bring down the rapes across the country besides empowering women from the present patriarchial outlook. Also, imbibing younger generation with gender sensitization and nurturing children with ethics & morality may yield good results. Further, checking on women objectification especially typical item songs like Munni Badnaam hui & Chikni Chameli on silver screens. The promotion of Alcohol and other intoxicated substances should be discouraged which may lower the rates of sexual violence in a longer run.