Society is averse to self-assured women

The gruesome Delhi gang rape exposes a dangerous side of our society. This has outraged people across the country.

As a woman who believes that women must get out of the perception trap that makes them diffident, I am appalled at this rise in atrocities against women. We have been apathetic for far too long.

The growing incidence of these heinous crimes is a sad reflection of the degenerating social ecosystem that echoes the past where women were suppressed, devoid of respect. For some inexplicable reason, even today's society is averse to a modern, self-assured woman who dares to break the mold.

We must act now to ensure both the safety and respect of women. Here are some steps which, I think, will make Bangalore safer for women.

LEGAL REFORMS

All sexual assault cases must be declared as non-bailable serious offences and offenders jailed at the first instance until the case is heard out. A special fast-track court must be set up with a mandate to give a ruling in 30 days.

Gang rape must be considered third degree rape with sentences ranging from life imprisonment to death penalty in the rarest of rare rape cases. I believe strangers assaulting women should be subjected to chemical castration.

The scope of sexual crime must be widened to include verbal abuse.

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS

All public transport like buses must have armed escorts after 6 pm. All public and private transport must be GPS-enabled. A blanket ban must be imposed on dark films and tinted glasses in all vehicles and offending vehicles compounded.

All commercial vehicle licences must be subjected to annual renewal after police verification and GPS capability certification. Driving licences for commercial drivers to be issued after police verification and licences renewed annually.

Helplines must work 24x7. The number of police patrol vans must be increased after 6pm. Policemen must be sensitized to take prompt action in case of crime against women.

We need to take a serious view on mending the social fabric. We need to relook at the moral values that we give to our children. The boys of this country need to be instilled with a sense of respect for all women and schools must start the sensitization process. I think change of mindset is the biggest challenge that we face today.