Rape and violence against women are pervasive and brutal issues that require immediate attention and collective action. Despite laws and policies, the problem persists, and it is essential to reform attitudes, educate ourselves, and actively protect women to ensure their safety, respect, and dignity

In today’s world, women continue to face brutal challenges and injustices across all areas of society. Whether at home, in public, at institutions, or workplaces, women often confront inequality, discrimination and various forms of violence. It is women who frequently suffer more and become victims of social violence from their families, in-laws, relatives, and others. Women endure horrific acts such as acid attacks, murders, dowry-related crimes, sexual abuse, and more.

Disturbingly, news about rape cases has become so common that many people merely scroll past these reports, barely registering the gravity of such crimes. Rape is a heinous crime and a profound violation of human rights. Despite the clear moral, ethical, and legal prohibitions against such acts, rape continues to occur at alarming rates worldwide. For instance, in South Africa, reports suggest the highest rape rates globally, and in India, about 32,000 rapes were reported in 2022 alone—averaging 90 rape cases per day.

However, there are countries where rape rates are relatively lower, such as Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Algeria, where the rates are significantly less. Despite these lower statistics, approximately 35% of women worldwide have experienced some form of sexual harassment or violence in their lifetime.

If society remains silent, the problem will only worsen. Our sisters, mothers, daughters, and wives will continue to be at risk. The silence surrounding these issues contributes to a culture where violence against women is normalized, and their suffering is overlooked.

Unfortunately, our society has become desensitized to these crimes. We often raise our voices on social media to gain popularity, but fail to take substantial action in real life. Rape is not only a grave sin but also a major social crime that demands urgent attention and action. When women become victims, they often cannot speak out, and if they do, they face immense challenges in seeking justice. In many cases, the fear of social stigma and lack of support forces them into silence or even to take their own lives.

It is our collective responsibility to raise our voices against all forms of violence, especially rape, and to create an environment where women feel safe, both at home and in public. We live in a society that should honor human dignity and respect for all, regardless of gender.

Religions worldwide teach us to respect one another and live ethically. Yet, many of us act contrary to these teachings, driven by selfish desires without considering the consequences. The disrespect toward women, both online and offline, has become alarmingly common.

To protect women from harm and uplift their status in society, governments have enacted various laws and policies. However, despite these measures, crimes against women continue to rise, indicating that laws alone are not enough. We must reform our attitudes, educate ourselves, and actively protect women.

The Constitution of India, under Section 376(1), prescribes a punishment of 10 years imprisonment and a fine for those involved in rape. However, the increasing number of rape cases suggests that current penalties are insufficient deterrents. Perhaps it is time to consider more severe punishments, akin to those prescribed in Islamic law, where the consequences for such crimes are stringent and immediate.

Recent incidents, such as the gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old Dalit minor in Bihar and the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, highlight the urgent need for action. These cases have sparked outrage and calls for justice, but we must go beyond temporary reactions.

The teachings of the Quran, and indeed all major religious texts, advocate for justice and moral conduct. In Islam, for example, the punishment for rape is severe, reflecting the gravity of the crime. Countries that implement these laws strictly, like Afghanistan, report fewer cases of rape, suggesting that strict enforcement can deter potential offenders.

In contrast, many countries, including India, have numerous pending rape cases that drag on for years, denying victims timely justice. This delay often emboldens perpetrators, knowing they can evade punishment.

It is crucial to enforce laws strictly and ensure that punishment is swift and certain, so that criminals think twice before committing such heinous acts. As a society, we must take all forms of violence against women seriously, stand up as protectors, and ensure that women are respected in every aspect of life. Women are our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, and they deserve nothing less than safety, respect, and dignity.

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Fiza Aijaz Reshi