One incident is sharp in my mind. It happened about 15 years back. I had gone to the hospital to visit a friend's wife. She had twins and both were girls. When she was discharged, she went back to her village with her new-borns. Both were healthy. Not long after, one of those babies died. Everyone in the village knows how it happened. Everyone knows who is responsible. But nobody talks about it. It is a common thing in that village. That single incident is harsh to my mind. But then multiply it into 10 million, it is unbearable. It is unacceptable. At least to me. How about you?
It is now time to start thinking, not merely in terms of creating awareness, but in legislations that bring about real change in the social fabric of our country. What will it then take, for female infanticide, to make it to the frontpage of a newspaper?
Look at the staggering statistics in addition:
- 7 out of 10 fastest rising crimes in India are against women
- 15% increase in dowry deaths
- 14% increase in cruelty by husbands & relatives
- 13% increase in abduction & kidnap of females
- 12% increase in import of girls
- 11% increase in sexual harassment against women
- 6 - 7% increase in rape & molestation
- Impart education on values & morality
- Form Redressal Committees according to the Vishaka Commission within our structures
- Advocate legislations with stringent penalties to create safety for women
- Pray to God for mercy & healing on this nation
