One in four men has committed rape in the Asia-Pacific region. This shocking number was revealed in a recent study conducted by the UN across the region.
75 per cent of the men who admitted to committing rape claimed they did so because they felt sexually entitled; more than half said they did it for entertainment. The situation is not any better in India, where a brutal gang-rape in the capital city in December last year led to nation-wide protests to address the issue of sexual violence — 80 per cent of women in New Delhi say they have faced some form of sexual harassment.
Both studies indicate the seriousness of the issue of sexual violence and how little is being done, legally and socially, to change the situation. While the UN study went on to make recommendations to help create positive change, in this week’s debate, we ask: can an end ever be put to rape?
These are the statements that will be debated:
• An end should be put to the use of violence to discipline children at all levels — at school and at homes.
• No impunity should be given to men who commit rape.
Participants will have to clearly state whether they are for or against each statement, supporting it with arguments on why they feel this will put an end to rape.
Due to the nature of this topic, please note that only those participants who have registered with Gulf News in advance will be allowed to participate.
Send us an email at readers@gulfnews.com if you would like to participate in the session, or share your views by posting a comment below.
