Women activists, politicians and intellectuals expressed concern over the fact that the country has failed to give women the constitutional rights. They were participating in a webinar organised by the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH)to open up a dialogue on the plight of women, identify reasons and suggest solutions.
“After completing 74 years of Independence, it has been proved that the country is going backward with regards to women’s progress,” said Rahamathunnissa, the National Secretary JIH Women’s Wing in her introductory address. She said the latest NCRB data shows a rise of 7% rape cases from 2018. Women are still not given equal participation in decision making bodies. The percentage is going down according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021. The Digital 2021 April Global Statshop report says the majority people who are deprived of internet services in the world are Indian women. She advocated that only by making public places, educational institutions, health system and legal system female friendly women can get the privilege of the constitutional rights.
Teesta Setalvad, a civil rights activist and journalist, said communities and the civil society have a great role in uplifting women. She expressed concern over the excess spending on marriages, dowry and use of gold in weddings. There is preference over male children in every community. Religious scriptures talk about good things but the communities fail to implement them. ‘Sulli Deal’ issue shows what kind of country we are in. Even though women suffer in general, there are some sections of women who are more targeted. She also expressed concern over the irresponsible portrayal of women in media to satisfy the male gaze and commercial industry.
Kavita Krishnan, Secretary All India Progressive Association, said women are not safe and face a lot of atrocities in the present political environment. “Shaheen Baghs were real examples of Indian Democracy and practical lessons on constitutional values. Indian culture does not consider women as humans like men. Girls are considered property by family and society. Data shows only cases that are filed or those that are falsely filed. Atrocities on women within the families are mostly hidden and untold. Love jihad is a propaganda. Consent or choice of girls is not considered in marriages. Respecting different opinions is also part of freedom. Fearless freedom is what we require,” she said.
Nabiya Khan, an activist and poetess who was also put on auction by ‘Sulli Deals’, shared her experience regarding that. She presented her poem picturing the plight of Indian women and also expressed concern over the recent hate slogans at Jantar Mantar against minorities.
A S Fathima Muzaffer, a writer and activist, enlightened the audience on the glorious past of the Indian women in comparison with their present plight. “Now India has become the worst country for women to live in.”
Khalida Parveen, Secretary Amoomat Society, said the rules are good but the system isn’t. There is disparity in the approach with regards to men and women. There is no access for women in many government facilities.
In her concluding address, Shaista Rafat, member of the Central Advisory Committee JIH Women’s Wing highlighted the role of women in Independence. She expressed concern over the fact that our GDP is falling down but the number of atrocities against women is going up. She said discussions like this should continue and we need to express our concerns loudly to get justice.