Published in Sister Zeph’s Journal
Date: March 19, 2013
By Sister Zeph
In the third world, a pressing question haunts us: Why do instances of rape against women continue to rise? As a citizen of the third world, I sense a disturbing reality around me—why are women in this land perpetually living in fear of becoming victims of sexual assault? Why do men perceive women as easy targets?
Lack of Courage
In our society, courage is a rare commodity. We are often hesitant to call out wrongs or champion what is right; instead, we prioritize our personal interests throughout our lives. We chant slogans but seldom take action, fearing repercussions.
Short-Term Thinking
Our lack of long-term planning becomes evident in times of crisis. When an unfortunate incident occurs, women often attempt to hush it up. Shockingly, victims may even feel ashamed for being raped, leading them to hide the trauma they have endured. The absence of support pushes them into silence. More painfully, raising their voices often leads to social isolation, making it difficult for them to find partners for marriage. Society often perceives them as tainted.
I recall a heart-wrenching incident from my fourth-grade class when a fellow student confided that her uncle had sexually abused her. Her mother’s response was a heartbreaking instruction to keep quiet and not share the incident with anyone. Why are women so afraid to speak out? They remain dependent on men, unable to challenge them, within this male-dominated society. Any action against men results in harsh punishment for women.
For instance, in my neighborhood, I witnessed a 15-year-old boy physically abuse his older sister. He bound her with ropes and beat her with a stick because he saw her talking to a boy on the street. Astonishingly, the mother did not intervene. Mothers often believe that daughters will eventually marry and move to another home, whereas sons will stay with them for life, warranting their obedience.
Illiteracy
Education imparts awareness, nurtures the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, instills a sense of purpose, guides us in handling our emotions, and teaches us to respect our relationships. The absence of education stands as a prominent factor contributing to rape cases. In today’s age of the internet, explicit content is easily accessible to everyone. Individuals engaged in manual labor, who lack intellectual stimulation, become vulnerable to these influences. They are not innovators; they lack life plans beyond marriage and sexual pursuits. Such individuals fixate on these thoughts because they have idle time and frequently watch explicit content. In societies like these, even their own daughters and sisters are not safe.
Poverty
Many individuals in our world live devoid of happiness. They remain perpetually dissatisfied, viewing life through a lens of obtaining food and occasionally new clothes. Once these basic needs are met, they often turn to sexual activity. Poverty is a gateway to illegal activities, forbidden by law. In most families, ten or twelve children share a single room with their parents, leaving little privacy for intimate moments. As a result, parents are forced to seek opportunities for sexual encounters, sometimes resorting to harsh measures. From a cultural standpoint, men are granted more freedoms both within and outside the home, contributing to their predisposition to commit rape.
Double Standards
Our society often formulates rules but fails to enforce them consistently.
The Only Solution
The path to ensuring women’s safety lies in imparting awareness and education. Though an arduous task, it is imperative. Women may be resistant to change, often choosing to endure hardship at home rather than fight for their rights. They have grown accustomed to their plight. However, we must persist in our efforts, for we are entrusted with the task of saving many lives.
Women must bolster their educational pursuits, career aspirations, and future planning. They must unite and support each other as women. Education remains the key to transforming the mindsets of our society, inspiring a brighter and safer future for women.