Just 3 days back, there was a wedding in my family. As I wasn’t well, my husband was getting ready to the function. He planned to go by Metro as it was very convenient to reach the wedding destination. I was also ok with it… reason… why to get stuck in traffic jams and spoil your mood when a better convenient option is available. Everything was OKAY with me till my 15 years old daughter made up her mind to join my husband.

All of a sudden, my mind started telling me “Even if there is traffic jam… it is ok… at least driving by own car is much safer”. I started arguing with my hubby that if Kashish is going, then it is better that he drives. But he was totally obsessed with the idea of going by Metro to a wedding. Poor me… I was not able take off my mind from the fact that SHE has to travel in public transport and that too at night. The imagination of them coming late night was killing me from inside.

I was, to be precise and short, scared of her being violated by someone in the crowded place or even in Metro. I remember, I must have told my hubby, at least a 100 times, hold her hand throughout…. Save her from crowd, stand like this in Metro and also I told my daughter, at least 50 times, Papa ka haath mat chodna, Papa ke saath chalna, Papa ke paas hi rehna… and so on… To all this my daughter asked very innocently, “Mommy, why are you so tensed, I know I am very beautiful… but I can take care of myself… so Chill Mommy”.

Chill… really… Can a mother of a teen-age, or in fact of any age, be chilled in today’s scenario???

Are you wondering why was I so worried? Some statistics:

1. Every 20 minutes a woman is raped in India.
2. Officials from Stop Acid Attacks say there are reported cases of acid attacks on the streets two or three times a week.
3. Delhi has emerged as the capital of crimes against women with an unparalleled spurt in incidents, every day of which on an average see five rapes, 10 molestations, 10 kidnappings and two eve-teasing cases.
4. Almost every single day, a young girl is being trafficked (sold) into flesh trade. Most of the times, her parents sell her off.

Actually, we don’t need to look at statistics to confront the horrid truth. News stories of women from all over India being raped, beaten, killed are flashed across us day after day – and we all are aware of it. The fatal Nirbhaya gang-rape saw an outpouring on the streets of Delhi – protests decrying the fragile status of women in India. Candle light marches, an awakening on social media – even conversations on streets revolve around the night they cannot forget: the night that took Nirbhaya.

But have the things really changed now? Do we women feel safe now? Has anything really changed since then?

The data is speaking for itself. It is confirming that everyday women are dealing with harassment from mild to extreme forms on our streets.

I recently came across a news and video which showed molestation in Flight !!! Really !!! I thought that’s THE ELITE CLASS travelling there !!! And now the so called NRI Gentleman giving statement “I too have daughters”.  Means people will sympathize you if have daughters and it gives a “character certificate”. Such a sick mentality…

How long will this menace go on for? What are we supposed to do about it? With limited options in our hands, and with time fast flying us by, the onus is on us to wake up and do whatever it takes.

49% of India’s registered voters are women, and the Power of 49 together needs to demand a tougher India, yet an India that is sensitive to women. Women’s issues need to be pushed in every lobby until the leaders have no choice but to yield and take a hold on the crisis that emerges across every street and every corner of India today.

We must ensure that our voice is heard by all. This is the time we own up to ourselves and for every woman. We must stand by each other… Tall and Proud… Brave and Unfazed. No more Harassment. We want what we deserve – for us and for our daughters – a safer India for women.

By God’s grace, my daughter and hubby can back safe from the wedding that night… I was relieved… I wish every mother of this whole world gets this feeling of relief every day and night.…