Capital Matters: Delhi is becoming increasingly unsafe for women

The National Crime Records Bureau, in its recently released report Crime in India-2000, has recorded an increase in crimes against women like cruelty, dowry deaths, rape and sexual harassment.

Of the 1,078 rape cases nantionwide, the highest - 34.7 per cent - occurred in Delhi. Among the 512 dowry deaths, the city accounts for 19.9 per cent. Similarly, out of the 2,066 molestation cases, the maximum number of 488 was reported from the capital.

Thanks to the social consciousness among women, such crimes are being reported, and that itself is a sign that women are willing to fight back and not take their humiliation lying down.

With instances of crime against women hitting the headlines regularly, what with eve teasers on the prowl in buses, at bus stops, universities or even on the roads, the question being asked is - Is the capital safe for women?

Says Kiran Bedi, Joint Commissioner of Police: "I believe the safety of women is dependant on two major factors - social response and the quality of policing. As far as the former is concerned, we have witnessed that it is taking a back seat. It is &- I, me and myself. And since criminals are quite sure of this kind of apathy, they know they will get away with molestation, robbery or even murder."

Regarding the quality of policing, the tough cop says: "It has been rather erratic in many situations and in continuity. It is reactive rather than being interactive. And that is the reason why crime is staying. Since bail is easy and there is no punishment as cases drag on for years, it is in no way a deterrent for criminals."

Her views are shared by Kalyani Raj, Member-in-charge, Youth Affairs, All India Women's' Conference (AIWC). "Yes, Delhi is increasingly becoming unsafe for women. I personally believe that women have the same rights as men. But how far they exercise them is what is questionable."

Sensing the need to instill confidence among young women, the AIWC is working to create awareness about self-defence techniques. "We propose to train young girls in judo, karate and other handy skills to protect themselves. We are working closely with the Delhi Police in this venture," she said.

Says another Delhi Police officer: "The minute a woman feels uncomfortable because of the behaviour of a colleague or a senior, she should tell him about it and threaten him by registering an FIR at the nearest police station. This should work. For a man will feel embarrassed and it will dissuade him from repeating his act."

According to the officer, most problems arise due to lack of awareness and a reluctance to get involved. "Don't forget your right as an individual. Become strong enough to stand up against injustice being done to you," he advises.

He was all praise for the 23-year-old Delhi University student who recently fought the goons in a moving bus with 20 passengers aboard. A Bachelor of Education student, she was sitting behind the conductor's seat towards the aisle.

A few armed men started teasing her. As she protested and wanted to get down, two men blocked the front door of the bus.

The student screamed, and was threatened to keep her mouth shut or she would be stabbed. But she stood up, kicked and punched the men and jumped out of the moving bus. She sustained minor injuries, but she managed to reach the university campus and reported the matter to her principal.

Subsequently, the North District Police was informed and within a couple of days two people were arrested in connection with molestation charges.

Says advocate Sandhya Rao, "A woman should never put up with any kind of indecent behaviour the very first time. Harassment has been a part of our fraternity. And no action is taken even against any lawyer accused of harassing female colleagues.

"Men end up defending one another and you end up feeling guilty and ashamed whether it is at the workplace or while commuting."

With eve-teasers in abundance, commuting in the city has become a tormenting factor for women. Sexual harassment in public transport is more often than not dismissed as a non-issue.

"Travelling by bus is an open invitation to harassment," says a Lady Irwin College student. "Even if you find a ladies' seat occupied by a man, he will refuse to move to the window. This means you brush past him to get in. Some end up cornering you completely," she adds.

"Most women are scared to complain about misbehaviour as they feel there will be curbs on their movements either by their parents or their husbands," says Kajal Malhotra, an official working in a multinational company.

Remarkably confident and frank, she adds, "I do not have much faith in either the police or these commissions for women as they are more keen on holding seminars to gain publicity rather than doing constructive work. Women themselves have to be brave and authoritative."

As if to prove a point, all efforts to contact officials of the National Commission for Women proved futile. They were busy holding meetings. It has been alleged by several young women that the NCW and other non-government organisations are more keen on associating themselves with high profile cases to gain publicity for their own benefit.

"I believe a woman can fight it out alone. Why look towards women's organisations? This is not about feminism. It's about your right as an individual," says Rao.

"There are various sections under the Indian Penal Code where sexual harassment is dealt with severely. The first step is to speak up and not feel ashamed or guilty. And the only way to stop it is to get equally strong and vocal," she adds.

With women constituting nearly 50 per cent of the population and work force, yet not able to live in dignity, it proves that they are certainly not safe in the city.

Whether it is whistling, touching, staring or making obscene remarks, all these constitute sexual harassment. One has to take action, instead of tolerating it. As the saying goes, the law can be as useful as you make it.