WAKE UP INDIA-AN HT INITIATIVE

An Indian woman is subconsciously more alert and aware of any imminent danger in the form of a male predator. She knows where to go, when to go, and when not to go. She places unreasonable restrictions on herself to protect herself. It's like living in the jungle. Or the wild, wild West. Even after all the possible precautions, things can and do go horribly wrong. But they say it is a fair world. She can seek redressal from the law. It's a different matter that the law takes its own time, and she may never get justice in her lifetime.

From the time she is a little girl, she has to watch out for herself - from the men in the family to over-friendly teachers, bus conductors or any other man she may encounter. She is told not to be too friendly with boys her age, and to concentrate on her studies instead. In school, she is encouraged to study humanities (science and commerce are for boys, she is told). College for her is an extension of school. The same set of social rules apply here too.

Soon it's time to get married. She is lucky if she has a say in the matter. The rest of her life is spent obeying the wishes of her husband and later her son. A small percentage of exceptions in urban areas notwithstanding, this is the lot of the nearly 40 crore women in India. And yet women go on to become doctors, lawyers, policewomen and even CEOs of companies. I Was  brought up to believe that the world is by and large a fair place, but that you have to watch out for yourself. I was taught to believe in the system and be prepared for the worst case scenario.

.Gul Panag actress,writes these lines which matched my thoughts. men tends to view women as an arm candy or an object to entertain only.Women are still struggling to get a respectable place in society..I appreciate  Hindustan Times initiative.Life keeps on moving, you must change and move as life does, or you will spend all your time trying to catch up.