Delhi: Activists, politicians and intellectuals in a virtual webinar Saturday said India has failed to give its women the constitutional rights.
The activists said this at the virtual gathering organized by the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e- Islami Hind (JIH). The webinar was organized to open up a dialogue on the plight of women, identify reasons and suggest solutions.
“After completing 74 years of Independence, it has been proved that the country is going backward with regards to women’s progress", National Secretary of JIH Women’s Wing Mrs. Rahamathunnissa, said in her introductory address.
She said that the latest data published by NCRB shows a rise of 7% rape cases from 2018.
"Women are still not given equal participation in decision making bodies. The percentage is going down according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021. It says India has declined on the political empowerment index by 13.5% points", she said.
"The Digital 2021 April Global Statshop report says that the majority of people who are deprived of internet services in the world are Indian Women", she added.
"Only by making public places, educational institutions, health system and legal system female friendly women can get the privilege of constitutional rights", she said.
Stating that communities and the civil society have a great role in uplifting women, Teesta Setalvad, a civil rights activist and journalist, expressed concern over the excess spending on marriages, dowry and use of gold in weddings.
"There is preference over male children in every community. Religious scriptures talk about good things but the communities fail to implement them. The problem is very complex. The idea of India is secular and everyone’s right to choose has to be respected", she said.
"The Sulli deal issue shows what kind of country we are living in", she added.
"Even though women suffer in general, there are some sections of women who are more targeted. There have been protests but not enough. Majority are silenced due to fear", she said.
She also expressed concern over the irresponsible portrayal of women in media to satisfy the male gaze and commercial industry.
Kavita Krishnan, Secretary of All India Progressive Association said that women are not safe and face a lot of atrocities in the present political environment of the country.
“Shaheen Baghs were real examples of Indian Democracy and practical lessons on constitutional values. Women do not have control over their body and life. Indian culture does not consider women as humans like men. Girls are considered as property by family and society", she said.
"Data shows only cases that are filed or those that are falsely filed. Atrocities on women within the families are mostly hidden and untold. Love Jihad is a propaganda. Consent or choice of girls is not considered in marriages. Respecting different opinions and choices is also part of freedom. Fearless freedom is what we require”, she said.
Nabiya Khan, an activist and poetess who was also put on auction by ‘Sulli Deals’ shared her experience. She presented her poem picturing the plight of Indian women and also expressed concern over the recent hate slogans at Jantar Mantar against minorities.
Fathima Muzaffer, writer and activist, enlightened the audience on the glorious past of the Indian women in comparison with their present plight.
“Now India has become the worst country for women to live in. The very fact that the test to know the gender of babies during pregnancy is banned due to the fear that the parents will kill them if they are girls is an acid test to prove the shameful situation", she said.
"We hear sex scandals even from army offices. Education, Empowerment and Enforcement are the solutions and not Escapism", she added.
Khalida Parveen, Secretary of Amoomat Society, said that the rules are good but the system is not.
"There is disparity in the approach with regards to men and women. There is no access for women in many government facilities", she said.
In her concluding address, Shaista Rafat, member of the JIH Central advisory Committee, highlighted the role of women in independence.
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