I was greatly pleased to see the American singer Lady Gaga along with several other women taking a stand against sexual violence at the 88th Academy Awards.
This year’s Oscars was highly criticised for lacking diversity, and while it is true that there was an inadequate racial representation, the 2016 Oscars once again became a great stage for raising awareness about social and environment issues.
While Leonardo DiCaprio addressed the imperative need to take action against climate change, the greatest and strongest performance was that of Lady Gaga. She performed her song ‘Till it happens to you,’ which highlights the increased rate of sexual violence against women.
Towards the ending of the song several sexual assault survivors came up on stage with supportive messages written on their hands and to see that was both emotionally touching and thought provoking.
The rate of sexual assaults on women has been increasing, not only in the United States, but all around the world. It is time that we take a stand against sexual violence, and I believe that education is the best way to do this. We must encourage open discussions on such topics in order to provide a safe platform for women and men to report such assaults. We must educate people to stop blaming the victims as this not only justifies the action of the offender, but also discourages victims from reporting their assault.
Together and through support and education, we can bring an end to such heinous acts and create a safer society that produces healthier and prosperous citizens.
— The reader is an Indian student based in Sharjah
