The recent murders of two women — one in Kerala and the other in Tamil Nadu — underscore the pervasive and horrifying nature of gender-based violence in India. In Kerala, a woman was brutally killed by her partner, someone she likely trusted. In Tamil Nadu, a young schoolteacher was stabbed to death at her workplace for rejecting a man’s marriage proposal. These incidents are not mere tragedies; they are a chilling reflection of a society that continuously denies women their right to say “no” and their autonomy to live free from fear.
This violence against women cannot be seen in isolation. It is part of a deeply entrenched patriarchal system that normalises control over women’s lives. From childhood, women in India are taught to conform, endure, and prioritise the needs of others over their own desires. When women dare to assert their independence, they are often punished — sometimes with their lives. These punishments are meant to send a message: women who challenge the status quo will be silenced, forcibly if necessary.
India’s record of violence against women is grim. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 31,000 crimes against women are reported daily, a staggering number that reveals only the tip of the iceberg. Many incidents go unreported owing to social stigma, victim-blaming, and mistrust in law enforcement.
The murders in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are part of a larger pattern. Dowry-related deaths, sexual assaults, honour killings, acid attacks, and domestic violence are all expressions of a society that prioritises male entitlement over female autonomy. A woman’s “no” — to a relationship, to marriage, or to any form of domination — is often seen as a provocation. This mindset manifests in cases such as that of the Tamil Nadu teacher, where rejection led to fatal violence.
The brutality is not confined to any one part of the country or social class. In Uttar Pradesh, cases of honour killings frequently emerge, where young women are murdered by their own families for choosing their partners. In metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru, sexual violence at the workplace and in public spaces is rampant. Rural areas report dowry-related murders and domestic violence at alarming rates. These incidents reveal a culture of impunity, where perpetrators believe they can act without consequences.
One cannot ignore the glaring question: why are women the primary victims of such heinous crimes? The answer lies in a patriarchal system that sees women as inferior, as possessions to be controlled rather than individuals with their own rights. From birth, girls are often treated as liabilities. Their education, ambitions, and even personal choices are considered secondary to their roles as daughters, wives, and mothers.
Men, on the other hand, are often raised with a sense of entitlement over women’s lives. Rejection is seen not as a personal boundary but as a challenge to their masculinity. When faced with rejection, many men resort to coercion, stalking, harassment, and ultimately violence. The entitlement is not just personal — it is systemic, reinforced by societal norms, media portrayals, and even institutions such as law enforcement and judiciary, which often fail to take women’s complaints seriously.
The murders in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are chilling examples of this dynamic. In Kerala, the victim was reportedly in a relationship with her killer. This betrayal of trust reveals the dangers women face even in intimate relationships. Love and companionship, which should offer safety and support, too often become arenas for control and violence.
In Tamil Nadu, the murder took place inside a school — a place that should symbolise growth, safety, and the nurturing of young minds. The audacity of committing such a crime in broad daylight and in a public institution speaks volumes about the impunity with which violence against women is carried out. It also raises concerns about the failure of institutions to protect women, even in spaces that are considered secure.
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend: women are not safe anywhere — not in their homes, not in their workplaces, and not even in public spaces.
The institutional response to violence against women has been woefully inadequate. While India has enacted several laws to protect women — such as the Domestic Violence Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act — the implementation of these laws is often lacking.
The police often dismiss complaints as “domestic matters”, and judicial processes are painfully slow, causing victims to lose faith in the system. Moreover, the lack of gender sensitivity among law enforcement officials often leads to victim-blaming, further traumatising the survivors and discouraging others from coming forward.
The media, too, has a significant role in shaping societal attitudes. Unfortunately, sensationalist reporting often reduces women to victims or objects of pity, rather than amplifying their voices and calling for systemic change. Media coverage should focus on holding perpetrators and systems accountable while challenging the patriarchal norms that perpetuate violence.
Ending this cycle of violence requires a multi-faceted approach. Laws must be strengthened to address crimes against women more effectively. Swift justice and stringent punishments can act as deterrents, but legal measures alone are not enough. Gender sensitisation should be an integral part of education. Boys must be taught from a young age to respect women’s autonomy, while girls should be empowered to assert their rights without fear of backlash. Media, literature, and cinema must stop glorifying possessive and controlling behaviour as love. Instead, they should promote narratives of mutual respect and equality in relationships. Survivors of violence often face social ostracism and a lack of support. Communities must step up to provide safe spaces and resources for women in distress. Police, judiciary, and healthcare professionals must be trained to handle cases of gender-based violence with sensitivity and urgency.
Every time a woman’s voice is silenced through violence, it is not just her life that is lost but also a part of our collective humanity. The recent tragedies in Kerala and Tamil Nadu must serve as wake-up calls. Women’s safety and freedom are not privileges to be granted but rights that must be fiercely protected.
It is time for society to introspect: why are women alone held to impossible standards of compliance and silence? Why does their assertion of choice invite violence? The answers lie in dismantling patriarchal structures and building a culture where women can live without fear.
Let us ensure that the silenced voices of these women are not forgotten but become a rallying cry for change. Violence against women is not inevitable — it is preventable. And the responsibility to prevent it lies with each one of us.
mercyfamila@gmail.com
Published – December 29, 2024 02:47 am IST
