At the core of an Indian metropolis, an elegant-looking woman in her late thirties, is returning home from a multi-national conference meeting at a very late hour. She is using the city bus so that she can get home as soon as possible to her family. While she is in the bus, a group of 20-year old boys, who have just got out of a pub, can’t seem to take their eyes off her and are very evidently enjoying the view, till at last the woman gets off at her stop. These young, inebriated men don’t have intentions that you would call harmless. Seemingly, the situation was quite under control as none of the boys crossed the line, nor did they utter a single word against this woman. However, isn’t this act disturbing enough for her to not be able to forgive and forget, even once she is safely within the boundaries of her home? Many wouldn’t realize, but there is enough gravity to this situation in the context of the effect this can have on a woman’s psyche.
In the public transports that they are commuting in, or else in the crowd that they are walking through, women from the ages of 16 to 40, are more often targeted by men as ‘momentary pleasures’. These men, who may never even see the woman again, whistle or pass cheap comments or might even grope her. In return, if they get a scornful look from the woman, it is an ultimate victory for them: a prestigious and highly-commendable award for these “high-libido gentlemen.”
Facing such humiliating situations and pretending that you haven’t paid any attention to it is not a solution. For every woman, it is a question of her self-esteem. By testing her ever-so-high tolerance level, she isn’t proving anything to anyone. Braver and smarter girls take the opportunity and the ultimate revenge of slapping the guy and at the same time making a huge ruckus to call in the crowd to be her shield.
Girls, wake up! You are beautiful and attractive, which is a very obvious reason for men to seek your attention. If it is this attention that they are seeking, give it the way they truly deserve. Not all men are bad, but neither can all men be trusted! If you spot a suspicion, you take an account of it and stay alert. It is never wise to sit back and watch this kind of show unfold, and even worse, to be a part of it! This applies equally to the young men out there, who have high regards for the fairer sex and believe in bringing about a positive change in the society. Being a victim of such a situation is very disturbing, but being a witness to it and not doing anything to stop it, is extremely shameful and irresponsible as a citizen as well as a human being!
Today, women are not just found in kitchens. They are outside making a mark and creating their own identity. They have a home to run and a successful career to juggle. It is important to fight for your self-respect. There is no Prince Charming who is going to come to your rescue! It’s your fight! It’s your call!
