In a country that is known for its mythical and mystical stories, there is no bigger myth than that of women’s safety. The recent incident of the rape and murder of Priyanka Reddy in Hyderabad has left the country in a standstill. India remains underdeveloped even with the vast and fast expansion in various economic sectors; there are still people who would criticize women on what they choose to wear.
There are numerous opinions being thrown around when it comes to this topic, but whom better to ask than the women in our midst. They tackle fear and the oppression due to the lack of freedom, the freedom to go watch a movie at night, to dress the way they like and most importantly to travel from one place to other, whether it is for work or leisure. The women in this country need the freedom to breathe, without being judged, without fear.
Here we have a few women from different walks of life staying in Kerala sharing their thoughts on women’s safety.
Priya Sivadas
Priya Sivadas is expert trainer, coach, mentor and behavior specialist hailing from Mahe. She has made her name following many successes with big corporate firms. She has now ventured out and continues to make her mark in the training and development industry. Priya is versatile in all that she does, she has worked as dancer, writer, digital and TV presenter.
This has happened again. Another daughter of the country had to pay the price because we failed her. How do you think we can ensure that it doesn’t happen ever again.
The victims need real punishment
Does your work require travelling at night? Do you feel safe in the city?
My work requires travelling at night. I do travel with fear in my mind anticipating a mishap.
What kind of precautions do you take when travelling at night? What would you like to advice women to do?
Women should carry a confident body language, give message to her close people about her whereabouts. Also police should be contactable any time. It would be helpful if there is a software to press and alert for help.
Leona Lishoy
Leona Lishoy is an actress and model. She is known for the various roles she has done in the Malayalam film industry, her performances in Ann Mariya Kalippilanu, Queen and Mayanadhi gained her applause and appreciation. Her job requires her to travel for shoots and the like, and much like any other woman in India, she also feels unsafe when it comes to travelling during the night.
This has happened again. Another daughter of the country had to pay the price because we failed her. How do you think we can ensure that it doesn’t happen ever again.
Law has to be stronger.
Does your work require travelling at night? Do you feel safe in the city?
Yes. No ,I don’t feel safe in the nights
What kind of precautions do you take when travelling at night? What would you like to advice women to do?
By not taking lonely roads or subways, always informing a friend or a family member where you travel.
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Anagha Maria
Anagha Maria earned her fame during her time in a dance reality show on Mazhavil Manorama, and has now gone on to explore the field of acting. She is an excellent dancer and Vlogger with over 1k subscribers on Youtube. This young lady has her own reservations when it comes to her safety but she feels safe in Kochi
This has happened again. Another daughter of the country had to pay the price because we failed her. How do you think we can ensure that it doesn’t happen ever again.
Enforce law
Does your work require travelling at night? Do you feel safe in the city?
I feel safe in Kochi
What kind of precautions do you take when travelling at night? What would you like to advice women to do?
Travel with people you know. Travel in your own vehicle. Trust yourself and no one else.
Sharmila Nair
Sharmila Nair is bold and beautiful in the world of fashion. She loves to break boundaries which she made evident with her campaigns like ‘Mazhavil’ and ’18ShadesofBlack’ done in association with her business Red Lotus. Sharmila does not think twice when it comes to making social statements she believes in but when it comes to the safety of women in her state, there are times when she has to think more than two times.
This has happened again. Another daughter of the country had to pay the price because we failed her. How do you think we can ensure that it doesn’t happen ever again.
Firstly, make the laws stronger. Not just the law, but the execution of the judgment should also be faster in the court with proper legal follow ups. Usually what we have seen are the cases where rapists roam free. This is giving license to more rapists to commit the crime without any fear. Secondly, the values to respect women has to start from the school. Then only we can tackle patriarchy in a larger sense.
Does your work require travelling at night? Do you feel safe in the city?
My work require travelling at night. Kochi is a city I grew up, and I consider the city relatively safe compared to other cities except a few pockets at night time.
What kind of precautions do you take when travelling at night? What would you like to advice women to do?
Pins, needles and pepper sprays are the ones I generally have in my bag. Then I guess, any such circumstances arise, women should scream and make a lot of noise to catch the attention of others if you see some danger signal.
Note from the Editor :
It is sad to hear about the issues of safety for women in our country. The countless restrictions that needs to be imposed on oneself to remain safe makes life tedious and tiring. It inhibits the freedom and growth of women. With the terrible incident of Priyanka Reddy’s rape and murder, the sad reality of our country has been made clear. This cannot go on any longer and it is crucial we take big steps towards bettering the lives of women in our society.
Unfortunately the sad truth is to take precautions and be alert. This is why Kerala Insider is supporting Save Soul App. This is an invite only app where there is a trusted community of users either invited, referred or approved by The Save Soul Team. The Save Soul community is alerted and notified in case of any danger or untoward incident. We alone may not be able to defend a perpetrator but as a community we may be able to save a life in danger.
It is time we bring humanity back for it is now long lost!