That violence against women is assuming epidemic proportions has been yet again been re-affirmed by the lead story (Shame: Rape is India's fastest growing crime) in a leading newspaper ('Hindustan Times', January 14, 2008). According to this report, rape of women heads the list of fastest growing crimes in the country.

Increased reporting of rape in and by itself is not a negative phenomenon - it could well be signalling the fact that women are no longer keeping quiet about sexual assaults on them. On the other hand, increased reporting could also mean an increase in the incidence of the crime. In either case, the central point is that crimes against women are coming to light in increasing numbers and that in and by itself is a serious issue.

Brutality

Why are women facing such brutality at a time when they are better informed, enjoy relatively greater mobility than before, and have access to better educational and economic opportunities (though this is true for only some sections of women). It would seem that they are, in a sense, paying a price for enjoying these very benefits of a developing society.

We are going through a phase in the process of social re-ordering, where society is very open and encouraging of women breaking economic stereotypes, but, at the same time, very resistant and even punitive when they choose to break social stereotypes. So, while they can and should bring in a decent monthly income, how dare they choose to stay out late or stay and travel alone? Women who break socially prescribed norms of who is a 'good girl' have to obviously pay the price of their 'misbehaviour' and this often takes the form of sexual harassment, assault or rape.

In large parts of India, where caste wars are being fought through women's bodies, rape and sexual assault are ways of dealing with not only economic, but also social aspirations of dalits (lowest in the caste order) and tribals.

The sooner we start accepting and understanding that sexual assault and rape are power crimes rather than crimes of passion and lust, the better equipped we will be to deal with them. We, as a society, have chosen to accept women in new economic avatars but not new social ones. Rape is one of the ways in which men - and society - are ensuring that women comply with the "acceptable norm of change".

Prescribed roles

This norm expects women to behave according to socially prescribed roles of womanhood, read unassertive, silent and suffering, but to be on the move economically - read articulate, confident and well-informed. Though one often marvels at the many contradictions in Indian society, this one is a cause of great concern because it is affecting a very large section of our population.  This same "acceptable norm of change" also tacitly expects women to 'accommodate' their work life into their housework routine or vice-versa, without missing too many steps. The focus here is on "accommodating", and thus the consumer goods and advertising industry is busy at work, churning and showcasing time-and effort-saving devices meant for women.

Women’s domain

Nothing wrong with that at all — but unfortunately, at a more fundamental level, this approach reinforces women's traditional roles without ever questioning how men and societies can alter their roles to help women cope better with their own and their families' economic aspirations.

Sexist ads

Of course, we do have advertisements which show men operating washing machines or preparing ready-to-make soups, but have you ever wondered why we have yet to see a man at the helm of a campaign for detergent? The reason is simple - that men can help out in 'mechanised' housework is socially palatable but laborious housework still comes under women's domain.

Another important dimension of sexual crimes against women is the context in which boys and men are socialised to relate with the opposite sex. Somehow, the sexual identity of girls and women is the predominant angle of their personalities that boys and men are taught to understand and engage with. This stems from a broader social inability to see females as individuals - human beings with aspirations and capabilities. This— coupled with the notion that the sexual urges of men are uncontrollable, demanding and wild — legitimises the use of sexual violence as a way of relating to girls and women.

Assaults

The question now is — what can we do to cease the barrage of sexual assaults on women and girls? It would seem that this requires reflection and action at the level of individuals, families, communities, society and governments. And the yardstick at each of these levels should be: is this plan, policy or action what I would undertake for myself? For it is by recognising and treating women and girls as rights-bearing individuals with aspirations and capacities that we can evolve into a more civilised society, where everyone finds a place under the sun.