India’s 78th Independence - Still A Work in Progress for Women?

The horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata highlights the unsettling reality that independence remains elusive for women navigating a world fraught with danger. As India celebrated its 78th Independence Day, a dark shadow loomed over the festivities—a stark reminder that while we have achieved freedom from colonial rule, many women in India still struggle for basic liberties like safety and dignity.

The horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College has sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking outrage, protests, and a collective introspection. For women, it is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities they face every day, even in spaces that should be safe—like their workplaces.

This tragedy, like so many others, painfully reminds us that independence cannot be truly celebrated while women remain unsafe in their own country.

So this Independence Day, let’s decide not to ask ‘AGAIN’ what can be done or what is going to be done. Let’s think of What can we really do, let’ talk about actions that we can do now:

What Women Can Do: A solution Oriented Approach

In times like these, women need to channel their frustration and sadness into positive actions that build strength, solidarity, and change. In my opinion, here are some ways we can support each other and advocate for real progress:

>> Foster Compassion and Empathy: It’s High time that we accept and recognize that our insecurities and judgments impact those around us. So, Instead of succumbing to the pressure of judgment or competition, let’s lead with compassion. When a fellow woman is struggling, we can offer understanding and encouragement rather than criticism. Compassion should form the foundation of our collective movement towards safer spaces.

>> Be Expressive, Be Supportive: It’s time we become more expressive about our concerns and struggles. Let’s actively participate in conversations around gender-based violence and workplace safety. Being supportive of each other's voices amplifies our cause. If you see someone being silenced, step in and ensure their voice is heard.?

>> Stop Body Shaming and Discouragement: In a world that constantly critiques our appearances and ambitions, let's consciously avoid feeding into that negativity. Whether it's discouraging comments about someone’s body or questioning their career choices, we can stop this cycle by promoting body positivity and championing each other's goals.

>> Promote Self-Defense and Digital Safety: Every woman should have access to tools and skills that help protect her. Talk about the issues faced and the solutions/actions that helped you. Whether it’s self-defense training or utilizing safety apps, these practical steps can help us feel more secure. But beyond individual actions, we must continue to demand systemic changes that address the root causes of gender-based violence.

>> Advocate for Institutional Change: We need to push institutions, from hospitals to offices, to implement stronger safety protocols. Women should demand accountability from their workplaces for proper security, better training programs, and clear policies that support survivors of violence. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES AND UPLIFT EACH OTHER!!

Let’s hold ourselves accountable for creating the change we want to see. Together, we can move closer to a future where women in India can truly celebrate their independence with joy and security.

For women, freedom is more than a historical milestone; it is an ongoing struggle for the right to exist, work, and thrive without fear of violence or discrimination. By standing together, speaking out, and supporting one another, we can transform the future into one where true freedom isn’t just celebrated on one day of the year, but is felt every day by women across India.

As we move forward from this Independence Day, let’s commit to making sure that safety and dignity are a given—not a privilege—for all women.

#WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #SafetyForWomen #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #WorkplaceSafety