Dikhyaa Mohanty 
While addressing an Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said- “I would like to express my pain again, from the Red Fort today. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening—there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage. Speedy investigation of crimes against women, and strict punishment for those executing these monstrous deeds, are essential to instil confidence in society. When a person of such monstrous tendency is punished, it is not seen in the news, but restricted to a corner.”
Over the past decade, women have made significant progress in the workplace and beyond. They now hold higher positions and constitute a substantial portion of the global workforce. Women today are more independent in every sense, capable of taking care of themselves and their families. They have the autonomy to make their own life choices and live on their own terms. Unfortunately, women are often mistreated in the workplace by their co-workers. It’s disturbing that women still face sexual harassment and even rape at work, leading many to quit their jobs or suffer in silence.
Every year a wretched incident shocks the entire nation, people start a conversation about women’s safety and the legal system, post pictures, express their feelings and a debate starts over. But how much does this debate affect and make a change in society? We always question the slow and weird legal system in India, but have we ever asked ourselves? Are we doing enough to bring a change in this mendacious society where a doctor is raped inside a hospital by a doctor and a patient is raped by a doctor inside an examination room.
KOLKATA INCIDENT
The postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, sparking widespread outrage and protest within and beyond the medical community. Similarly, two women, aged 50 and 44 went to visit a cardiologist in SCB Medical Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, where they took them to the laboratory on August 11 for the ECHO examination where Instead of conducting the test, he allegedly raped them.
A recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed a troubling picture of crimes against women in India. The country recorded 445,256 cases in 2022, averaging 51 cases every hour. Doctors at government hospitals, often located on sprawling campuses, work in poorly maintained and poorly lit areas. Security is lacking in many sections of these hospitals, with a shortage of technology or CCTV to monitor potential perpetrators. In contrast, private hospitals generally offer better security and working conditions, with improved access control and a safer environment. Numerous cases have highlighted the vulnerability of women in the medical profession to sexual attacks, intimidation, and violence from patients, their attendants, hospital staff, colleagues, seniors, and teachers. Even female patients are at risk. The Kolkata incident evokes memories of the horrific assault on nurse Aruna Shanbaug at KEM Hospital in Mumbai in 1973. Aruna remained in a coma for 42 years before passing away in 2015. In May 2023, Dr Vandana Das was murdered by a drug addict and brought to Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital in Kollam, Kerala. In 2019, in West Bengal, a mass resignation of doctors occurred after a mob attacked a junior doctor, triggered by the death of a patient and allegations of medical negligence.
WHY?
One of the main reasons behind the increasing rate of rape is the presence of male-dominated societies. In such societies, women have limited representation and many men view women as objects for use. Consequently, women are often confined to household and sexual duties. Other reasons for the increase in rape cases include overlooking the link between poverty and violence, the stigma and blame associated with rape, inadequate gender education, and the challenging path to justice.
We are dedicated to upholding and advocating for women’s rights, including their right to safety. Shockingly, one in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Harassment is one of the eight significant human rights issues we have identified within our business. Women have the right to live without fear of violence, harassment, and discrimination. Eliminating the barriers of an unsafe environment can help women reach their full potential as individuals and as valuable contributors to the workplace, communities, and economies.
CONVICTION RATE ACCORDING TO YEARS-WISE
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data of 2019, an average of 88 rapes take place in India every day. However, the conviction rate is as low as 27.8%, which means out of 100 accused, only 28 get convicted. Expressing concern over the low conviction rate, the Supreme Court has observed that 90% of rape cases end in acquittal.
The conviction rates in 2017 were higher compared to 2018 and 2019. The rate declined by 5% from 2017 to 2018 and increased by only 0.6% from 2018 to 2019. Upon analyzing the data, it’s evident that the crime rate is higher than the conviction rate. This could be due to insufficient evidence and a lack of focus from authorized personnel. On average, the conviction rate is below 30%, meaning that over 70% of the accused individuals are walking free and potentially repeating their criminal activities.
CONCLUSION
Women of all ages are now a victim of rape irrespective of any workplace or even any public place. Every day we read about such incidents happening in any corner of the country. This Independence Day, let’s make an effort and think about how we can be safe and how we can make others safe in this cruel world. How we should make our daughter walk safely on the street without becoming conscious of who is staring? Women are unsafe in school, college, hospital, public transport places, streets, and even at home. What exactly we should take a step for even making the slightest change in society for women?
