Indian Women Need Justice Too

India is a phenomenal country. It is the most populous democratic country in the world. It is reputed for its rich and diverse cultures, sights, sounds, and tasteful cuisines. The country has significantly contributed to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. However, this progressive country has many flaws, including its repressive caste system, patriarchal problems, and a heavily discriminatory system against women.

Indian women bear the brunt of India's restrictive customs. They suffer discrimination in health, decision-making, education, financial independence, etc. According to data provided by UN Women, the adolescent birth rate in women aged 15–19 increased from 10.7 per 1,000 women in 2016 to 12.2 per 1,000 women in 2018. In 2018, 18.4 percent of women aged 15-49 years suffered physical and/or sexual violence from a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. As of 2021, women hold less than one in six parliamentary seats.

Although the Indian government has enacted many laws (such as the Equality Act) to solve these gendered issues, Indian women continue to suffer. Sometimes, the government sabotages itself. An essay in The Economist titled “Women’s (in)justice in India” shows how the Indian justice system penalizes women. In the celebrated rape case of Bilkis Bano, it took the government six years to prosecute the rapist and then released them after serving 14 years of their life sentences. Such discrimination against women is embedded in Indian culture and traditions. Indian society is economically reliant on the male gender, inadvertently stereotyping women as unable to provide for their families. India’s dowry system reinforces gender stereotypes. India is an old civilization with old customs and beliefs which will strengthen gender roles in societies.

The Indian government is aware of these problems. It has tried to implement laws to reinforce gender equality. For instance, it implemented a quota system in several schools to ensure girls are not left behind. While the government’s interventions are helping to address the problem, the results are slow. The government needs help.

Girls Across Borders (GAB) - an organisation that connects girls for societal impact and positive change - is concerned about the challenges Indian women face. GAB calls on civil society organizations in India and worldwide to support any efforts to address this longstanding problem. GAB understands the importance of educating a girl's voice. GAB believes in the capacity of every Indian girl and urges the Indian government to see the untapped potential in all Indian women and girls.