Prevalence Of Violence Against Women in Public Spaces In Uttar Pradesh

Introduction:

Violence against women in public spaces is a pervasive problem in many parts of India, including the state of Uttar Pradesh. Women are subjected to various forms of violence, including verbal harassment, physical assault, and sexual violence, while they are in public places such as streets, public transportation, and markets.

This not only affects the physical and mental well-being of women but also restricts their mobility and freedom. This article aims to examine the prevalence of violence against women in public spaces in Uttar Pradesh and explore some of the reasons behind it.

Example:

To illustrate the prevalence of violence against women in public spaces, we can look at the case of a 24-year-old woman who was gang-raped and murdered while returning from work in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh in September 2020. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country, highlighting the urgent need for measures to prevent violence against women in public spaces.

Data and Reports:

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2019, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of cases of crimes against women in India. Of the total 4,05,861 cases reported in the country, Uttar Pradesh accounted for 59,853 cases, which is around 15% of the total cases. Out of these, 7,910 cases were related to crimes against women in public places.

A report by the NGO Jagori, titled “Unsafe in the City: Mapping the Insecurity of Women in Public Spaces in Lucknow,” highlighted the experiences of women in public spaces in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

The report found that 89% of the women surveyed reported experiencing some form of harassment or violence in public spaces. This included verbal harassment, stalking, and groping, among other forms of violence.

Factors contributing to violence against women in public spaces:

There are several factors that contribute to the prevalence of violence against women in public spaces in Uttar Pradesh. These include patriarchal attitudes, lack of gender sensitivity among law enforcement agencies, inadequate lighting and infrastructure, and a lack of awareness and education among the general public. These factors create an environment that is conducive to violence against women in public spaces.

Impact of violence against women in public spaces:

Violence against women in public spaces has a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of women. It restricts their mobility and freedom, leading to a sense of insecurity and fear. It also has a negative impact on their education, employment, and overall development. The impact of violence against women in public spaces is not limited to the individual but also affects families and communities.

Measures to prevent violence against women in public spaces:

There is an urgent need for measures to prevent violence against women in public spaces in Uttar Pradesh.

This includes improving lighting and infrastructure in public spaces, increasing the number of women police officers, providing gender-sensitive training to law enforcement agencies, and creating awareness and education programs for the general public.

It is also important to create safe spaces for women, where they can report incidents of violence and receive support.

Role of civil society and media:

Civil society and media have an important role to play in preventing violence against women in public spaces. They can create awareness and education programs, engage with law enforcement agencies, and advocate for policy changes. The media can also play a vital role in highlighting incidents of violence against women in public spaces and bringing them to the attention of policymakers and the general public.

Conclusion:

Violence against women in public spaces is a pervasive problem in Uttar Pradesh. It restricts the mobility and freedom of women and has a negative impact on their physical and mental well-being.

There is an urgent need for measures to prevent violence against women in public spaces, including improving infrastructure, increasing the number of women police officers, providing gender-sensitive training to law enforcement agencies, and creating awareness and education programs for the general public. Civil society and media also have an important role to play in preventing violence against women in public spaces.

It is the responsibility of the government and law enforcement agencies to take concrete steps to prevent violence against women in public spaces. Women have the right to feel safe and secure in public spaces, and it is essential to create an environment where they can exercise this right.

Only through collective efforts and sustained action can we ensure that women in Uttar Pradesh are free from violence and can live their lives with dignity and respect. It is time for us to come together and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for all.

Citation- 

• “Crime in India-2019”, National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://ncrb.gov.in/en/crime-india-2019.
• “Unsafe in the City: Mapping the Insecurity of Women in Public Spaces in Lucknow”, Jagori. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://jagori.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Unsafe-in-the-City-Report.pdf.
• “India: Rape and murder of Dalit woman shows caste-based violence continues to thrive”, Amnesty International. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/india-rape-and-murder-of-dalit-woman-shows-caste-based-violence-continues-to-thrive/.

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