Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has emphasized that outrage over crimes against women should not be selective and that society must address the root causes of these issues. Speaking at a roundtable conference on ‘Creating a Safer World for Children’ in Pune, organized by the Gravitas Foundation in collaboration with UNICEF, Azmi highlighted the need to dismantle the patriarchal mindset that underpins these crimes. She referenced the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case to illustrate that despite widespread public outrage and subsequent legal reforms, incidents of sexual assault have not decreased, underscoring the importance of addressing the underlying societal attitudes that perpetuate such violence.
Kolkata Rape-Murder Case ignite public outrage
At the conference, Azmi was asked to comment on two recent incidents: the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor in Kolkata and the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The body of the doctor was discovered on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College, where she was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty. This horrifying event has ignited protests by doctors and medical students across India, demanding justice and stricter safety measures. Similarly, the sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls in Badlapur by a male school attendant has led to widespread outrage and a strong response from the public. The Maharashtra government has since set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the incident.
Selective outrage hinders real progress
Addressing these incidents, Azmi expressed her concern over the selective nature of public outrage, where certain cases receive more attention due to political or social factors. She argued that this selective outrage hinders the ability to address the root causes of violence against women and children. Azmi pointed out that after the 2012 Delhi gangrape case, the entire country united to demand justice, leading to the formation of the Justice Verma Committee, which proposed numerous recommendations to enhance women’s safety. However, she lamented that despite the implementation of stricter laws, including the death penalty in some cases, the frequency of such incidents has not diminished.
Azmi demands end to patriarchal violence
Azmi called for a fundamental change in societal attitudes, stressing the need to eradicate patriarchy and the objectification of women. She urged society to recognize that women have equal rights and should not be treated as commodities. Azmi also highlighted the importance of implementing the protocols recommended by the Justice Verma Committee, which she believes are crucial to addressing the root causes of violence against women.
The veteran actor’s remarks come at a time when India continues to grapple with numerous cases of sexual violence, highlighting the ongoing struggle to ensure safety and justice for women and children. Azmi’s call for a more comprehensive and consistent approach to combating these crimes resonates with the broader need for societal reform, emphasizing that true change will only come when the root causes of violence are effectively addressed.
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