To make it safe for women, show men their place

Listing and shaming countries that are ‘unsafe for women’ puts the focus back on gender issues but to credit the #Metoo campaign in Hollywood for raising awareness about the plight of women in the US shifts the focus from the prickly social problem afflicting these countries. Thomson Reuters Foundation has come to the conclusion that India is the most dangerous country for women, ahead of even war-torn Syria or Somalia, after speaking to 550 experts on women’s issues. Certainly not a badge of honour for a country that prides itself in its democratic credentials, diversity and technological pursuits. At the social level, the rot runs deep. And surprise, surprise, the US also makes it to the top 10 list! #Metoo has helped shape the narrative in the US against male abusers, according to the survey. However, this is an indicative and not a conclusive list, hence readers are advised to take it with a pinch of salt. It is true that sexual violence against women is rising across the world — both in violence-ridden areas of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and in the ‘peaceful’ West.

In democracies like India and the US, where society is free to express their views, more citizens are speaking out, and the system has been forced to act as people galvanise opinion and stage mass protests. The legislative system, media and judiciary, are independent under the Constitution — though in practice much can change — and are required to remain bulwarks against social scourges that threaten communities and livelihoods, which could lead to more polarisation. But do the opinions of select experts reflect the reality on the ground and why bring out these lists in the first place? As we said earlier, these views are merely indicative, perceptions, but that should not deter these countries to take corrective action. War is not an excuse to exploit women. Political will, personal conscience, and reflection can bring about serious social reform. More importantly, there is a need to sensitise boys, to make them aware that women are not a threat but can be more than a match for their fragile egos; perhaps prick their inflated bubble of superiority if they carry one, and teach them humility at home to treat women with respect. It’s meaningless to tout economic prowess when society is stuck in the morass, still struggling with gender rights.