Pedophile, derived from the Grrek (paîs, paidós), refers to an individual who is sexually attracted to women, especially young girls. This term has gained significant relevance amidst the growing issue of sexual violence and crime against women in India. Recently, the Supreme Court of India has been hearing a case concerning the brutal assault and murder of a junior female doctor in West Bengal, sparking widespread protests across the state.
Alarming Statistics:
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report of 2019, a woman or girl is raped every 17 minutes in India. The 2021 report noted 90 rape incidents daily across the country. By 2022, this frequency had worsened to one rape every 16 minutes. The 2023 report revealed that every hour, four girls or women are victims of rape. Such statistics are deeply troubling and reflect a grave situation.
The NCRB report of 2016 highlighted that 71% of rape cases do not even come to the attention of the police or legal authorities, which further exacerbates the issue. According to a statement by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr. Ajay Kumar Mishra in the Rajya Sabha, on July 26, 2024; there have been over 10,61,648 missing women and girls aged 18 and above between 2019 and 2021 in India, with 251,430 missing girls under 18. Madhya Pradesh alone has reported around 200,000 missing girls.
In a country that champions the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) initiative, the dire situation of women and girls remains a painful reality. Everyday, girls face various forms of sexual harassment, including unwanted touching, invasions of privacy and exploitation through various social media. These issues are not limited to the national level but have also seen an increase in our local areas such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Addressing these issues requires more than just legal measures. It necessitates a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and perspectives towards women and girls. Legal penalties alone are insufficient; there must be a broader transformation in how society views and respects women.
1. Combating Pornography:
The proliferation of explicit content in the form of pornographic films and images on the internet and social media is a pressing issue that demands intervention. In India, such explicit material is readily accessible, overshadowing the more constructive pursuits of employment and learning. The convenience of accessing such content, facilitated by the internet revolution, has introduced perverse influences into households and minds. In a country where data is more accessible than basic necessities and where rampant unemployment and idle time prevail, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist the allure of such content.The porn industry, among the fastest-growing and most rapidly expanding sectors globally, exerts a profound and immediate impact. It ensnares individuals ranging from adolescents to busy adults, creating a pervasive psychological addiction that affects not only the youth but also married individuals.
To combat this, it is crucial to raise awareness about the porn industry and implement measures to restrict open access to pornographic sites. Educational initiatives for children and active involvement in other productive activities for youth should be a priority for the government, local communities, organizations even for families. Without such efforts, idle minds are susceptible to becoming a playground for harmful influences.
2. Enhancing Sexual Education:
Sex education in India remains severely underdeveloped and discussing sexual topics is often met with discomfort. It is essential to raise widespread awareness about sex education. The lack of awareness frequently results in curiosity and practices that pose unnecessary risks to women, leading to numerous problems. Education on sexual matters, including physical relationships, sexual health, Good-touch and Bad-touch, bodily changes and hormonal health; can bring about significant shifts in mindset and attitudes. Parents at home, as well as teachers in schools must take proactive steps in these areas. Without adequate sex education, there is a risk of perceiving sex merely as a practice for gratification, which can lead to viewing women as objects.
Furthermore, it is crucial for government educational departments to integrate comprehensive sex education into school curricula to address this issue effectively.
3. Legal and Social Reforms:
Legal measures and awareness about women’s rights and protection are also crucial. The government has introduced various legal provisions for the rights and safety of women and girls, but it is essential to ensure that this knowledge reaches them. It is not enough for women to merely endure and tolerate; they must be empowered to stand up for their rights and assert their entitlement. Women’s empowerment is a critical aspect of societal progress.
Every woman and girl must be able to voice against injustice and abuse, and this cannot be achieved solely by government or non-governmental organizations. Every man, son, father-in-law, family member and the broader society must actively support and advocate for women’s rights. These collective efforts constitute true women empowerment.
4. Fostering a safe environment:
As men, we must strive to create a safe environment for girls and women. The extent to which an unfamiliar woman or girl feels secure in the presence of a man reflects that man’s qualities of decency and gentility. A man who views women as objects can never foster a safe environment, whether in public or at home. Therefore, we must maintain our self-discipline to ensure that when a woman is with us, whether walking, sitting, or talking, she feels safe and respected.
To eradicate pedophilia and create a safe and respectful environment for women, a concerted effort is required from all sectors of society. This includes government regulations, educational institutions, public awareness and individual responsibility. Together, we can work towards a society where women and girls feel valued and secure. By addressing these issues comprehensively, we can work towards a society where every woman and girl is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Writes: Noel Giri, Sukhia Pokhari
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