Changing gender equations a major factor,say activists

Gupte also stresses the importance of dressing smart by saying,“There is a reason why clothes of men have evolved the way they have. Those patterns are more suitable when you are working outside. Women should now restrict wearing traditional dresses and high heels when they are work. Clothes should be like jeans,T-shirts,kurtas,no dupatta as it is always a hindrance for movement. Also they need to sport sports shoes instead of chappals and heels. You can never jump or run when you are wearing traditional clothes.”

“The posture that women are indirectly trained to walk with,makes them vulnerable to attacks. Bent shoulders,downward looking eyes,confused vision signify a persona that will not retaliate when attacked. We need to change through parental guidance and training in schools. They must be mentally prepared to handle the the freedom they suddenly get when they go out of home and work,” Gupte said.

Unplanned urbanisation and uncontrolled migration have been detrimental to the law and order situation specially when it comes to women,says Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe. “The changing city structure is responsible for all this. Moreover uncontrolled expansions makes it impossible to provide adequate amenities. The place where the murder in Bavdhan took place,did not have proper lightening,according to residents. So it is also about infrastructure,” says Gorhe.

Gupte underlines the importance of the attitude of other sections of society towards the women’s issues. “Boys in particular should be made aware of the rights of the women and not just be told to respect them. Unless men are sensitised about this from their childhood,we won’t strike a balance,” adds Gupte.