THE HARASSMENT OF FOREIGN FEMALE ATHLETES ONCE AGAIN TARNISH NATION’A IMAGE

THE HARASSMENT OF FOREIGN FEMALE ATHLETES ONCE AGAIN TARNISH NATION’A IMAGE

30-OCT-ENG 25

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------In June 2025, when the United States issued a travel advisory for its citizens, categorizing India as an unsafe country for women, it sparked a sharp reaction across the country. From the Ministry of External Affairs to social media, this advisory was described as an attack on India's image. Government supporters vehemently asserted that Western countries were attempting to tarnish India's image. But is it really just a question of image, or is there some truth behind this advisory that we have consistently avoided acknowledging? Because, when incidents like those in Indore and Kolkata occur, where in one, a foreign female athlete was harassed on the street and in the other, sexual violence inside a prestigious nightclub, we have to consider whether we truly want to understand the darkness of insecurity that surrounds women every day.

The Indore incident was shocking; two players from the Australian women's cricket team were molested in broad daylight, in a busy city area. This wasn't a deserted street, nor a remote town. In a city often touted as a model of a clean India, such an incident shocked the entire nation. Just a few days later, a woman was sexually assaulted inside a five-star hotel in Kolkata, a supposedly safe area. The similarity between the two incidents is that they shatter the myth we have cultivated about women being safer in big cities. This myth has been shattered just as the belief that an educated society equates with a sensitive society. In reality, no matter the location—metropolis or rural areas, streets or schools—the attitude towards women remains largely the same.

The latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that 4.5 lakh cases of crime against women were registered in 2023. Of these, approximately 84,000 cases were of molestation and over 29,000 were of rape. But statistics aren't just a count; they reflect a mindset that objectifies women or attempts to confine them in the name of preserving culture. It's important to remember that the reported cases represent only a portion of the overall picture. The actual numbers are far more alarming, as a large segment of society still prefers to remain silent in the name of honor. Every time a horrific incident occurs, governments appear proactive, announcing intensified police investigations, the formation of special teams, or the establishment of fast-track courts. However, in parallel, some people in responsible positions make statements that further complicate the problem. A recent statement by Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, in which he blamed the victim's clothing and behavior, is a prime example. This is the same old argument that shields criminals and re-blames victims. The question isn't what a woman wears or when she goes out. The question is, why does the male-dominated society still believe it has the right to comment on or control a woman's freedom?

This attitude of politics and administration shows that women's safety is still not at the center of the development agenda. As long as women's safety is considered only a 'law and order' issue, it cannot be addressed at its root. It demands a socio-mental change, not just related to the education system or police reform, but also to our upbringing, our thinking, and our everyday behavior. Often, it is seen that the police machinery becomes active after an incident. CCTV footage is scanned, the culprits are arrested, and then everything returns to normal once the media attention subsides. But the real question is why are such situations allowed to develop? Safety does not come from mere city surveillance or police patrols. It comes from an environment in which women are treated with equal respect, whether they are walking on the street, traveling on a bus, or on a sports field. India is now going to host several international events. Such as sports, cultural conferences, tourist festivals, etc. But if foreign women feel unsafe, it will not only be detrimental to the country's image but also question the maturity of our society.

We may consider the US advisory an insult, but it also points to a reality we know within ourselves, but simply don't want to accept. Not just the US, but travel advisories from Britain, Australia, and Canada also describe India as a high-risk destination for women. This is disturbing at the diplomatic level, but if we look at it objectively, it's not just criticism but also a warning that if we don't change our society's mindset, our claims of progress will prove hollow. The aspiration to become a world leader will only be realized when half of our country's population can live without fear and with dignity. The Indian police system often slows down the investigation of crimes against women. While many states have women's police stations, they don't have enough women officers. The process of collecting forensic evidence is delayed, and cases in courts take years to resolve.

That is, while the perpetrator knows the likelihood of punishment is slim, the victim finds justice almost impossible to hope for. This is why crimes against women are so rampant. The recurrence of Radho is unstoppable.

Women's safety needs to be prioritized at the national level. Just as resources are mobilized for border security, a culture of security must be cultivated in public spaces, transportation, and educational institutions. It must also be recognized that society's perception of women is shaped not just in families but also in the media, cinema, and entertainment industry. The way women are portrayed as objects or entertainment in films, serials, and songs has a profound impact on the mindset of viewers.

Until the entertainment industry takes this responsibility seriously, the hope for sensitivity will remain unfulfilled. It is essential that female characters be portrayed as symbols of empowerment, not weakness.

Government policies and police reforms are necessary, but the real beginning of change will lie within society. We must recognize that crimes against women are not just a legal problem; it is a cultural disease. Teaching a son at home that no means no, instilling gender equality in schools, and creating a safe workplace are small steps that can lead to significant change.

Every person, whether male or female, can be a part of this social reform, because women's safety isn't just a women's issue; it's a question that concerns the very soul of society.

Overall, India is today considered the world's largest democratic power, a symbol of rapid economic growth and technological advancement. But when the dark shadow of women's insecurity looms behind this dazzling achievement, all our achievements seem incomplete. Women's safety isn't just a matter of law, but of action and consciousness. Until society understands that women's freedom should be respected, not controlled, no advisory, no stringent law, or no international event will make us a safe country. India's true progress will come when a girl can return home at night with the same confidence she does during the day.

The incidents in Indore and Kolkata are not just the story of two cities, they are a warning to the entire India that if we still do not learn, then every new incident will keep embarrassing us again and again.