Street harassment is a pervasive issue that plagues women worldwide, and the recent tragic death of an Indian schoolgirl has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of this form of gender-based violence. The incident, captured on CCTV footage, shows two girls riding their bicycles on a quiet road when they are accosted by two men on a motorbike. One of the men pulls away the scarf of one of the girls, causing her to lose her balance and collide with another motorbike. Tragically, the 17-year-old girl is run over by a third motorbike coming from the opposite direction, resulting in her death.
This incident has drawn attention to the term “Eve-teasing,” a popular South Asian euphemism used to describe street harassment. Many argue that this term trivializes the severity of the issue, as it fails to acknowledge the harmful and violent nature of these acts. Women’s rights activists have long advocated for replacing the term with “street sexual harassment” to accurately reflect the gravity of the problem.
The Indian government’s crime data from 2021 reveals that there were almost 90,000 registered cases of street harassment, accounting for 13.4% of the total crimes against women recorded that year. However, it is widely acknowledged that street harassment is vastly under-reported due to various factors, including societal stigma and a lack of faith in the justice system. This incident in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, has only gained significant attention because of its tragic outcome. If the girl had not died as a result, it is unlikely that this incident would have garnered such widespread coverage.
The prevalence of street harassment underscores the urgent need for change in societal attitudes and behaviors. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including better education and awareness, sensitization of law enforcement agencies, and active participation of the public in intervening and standing up against such acts.
Women’s safety and empowerment should be a priority at all levels of society. Efforts must be made to create safe and inclusive public spaces where women can freely move without fear of harassment. This necessitates a shift in cultural norms and a rejection of the notion that harassment is a natural part of being a woman.
While long-term solutions, such as education and gender sensitization programs, are crucial, immediate actions can also make a difference. The media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and can contribute to changing societal perceptions through responsible reporting. The use of accurate and impactful terminology when discussing incidents of street harassment is essential to raise awareness and foster a more empathetic understanding of the issue.
Furthermore, effective law enforcement is fundamental in combatting street harassment. Police authorities need to be trained to take complaints from women seriously and ensure a sensitive and supportive approach towards survivors. Public engagement is also critical, as bystanders have the power to intervene and hold harassers accountable.
It is time to dismantle the culture of impunity that allows street harassment to persist. This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for society to commit to creating a safer world for women, where they can live free from harassment and violence.
