February 22, 2025

The Thomson Reuters Foundation report on the status of women in different countries has raised hackles in India with opinion sharply divided whether it presents a truthful picture. Even the government has rejected the report. But most commentators have failed to realize that it is just a perception report and perceptions are normally formed by considering alarming reports. Hence, those who were asked to express their views on the selected parameters (which were neither scientifically selected nor quantitatively tabulated and based on quality data) gave their personal views which account for much less than research-based findings.

There is no doubt that much remains to be done to improve the lot of women in India from birth (even before birth, given the high incidence of female feticide) to death. But to say that their status is worst in the world definitely qualifies as unscientific study at best and fake news at worst. Rapid progress has been made in all things that affect the lives of women. Sex determination tests have been banned to prevent incidence of female feticide. Girls are being provided more opportunities to study at the primary level, with many state governments subsidizing school fees. Sanitary pads are being distributed free in schools by some states. More girls are going for higher education and opting for a career. There has been a quantum increase in women entrepreneurs.

The only area where India has failed is protecting its girls from lechers. Sexual harassment, trafficking, molestation, rape and acid attacks have not gone down despite increased awareness. Although the rise in these crime figures is more due to the fact that victims are reporting such crimes in larger numbers, the fact remains that society has failed to curb the menace. Women continue to be treated as sex objects. But this is more a social problem. To say that India is the most dangerous place for women is to nullify the exemplary work done by social activists, NGOs and even the government in this area.

pic courtesy: ayoti.in