One of the most common problems that women all over the world face is, eve-teasing. Are we challenging the situation or brushing the dirt under the carpet?
Nita was walking by and somebody was directly barging into her,
deliberately. She tried avoiding him but the gloating man made it very
clear that he did not want to pass by without brushing past her.
She was so scared that she couldn't let out more than a whimper, though
trying her best to avoid the approaching danger. The man kept following
Nita through the deserted street and she almost got into a run.
Watch out woman
While we walk on the road
there is a serious planned attempt to avoid blows and preventing
bumping into men. Avoiding the common accidental nudge and the brushing past of shoulders or hands is a daily exercise, just like brushing teeth in the mornings.
It is so much a part of our system that the most we do is, get abusive
and get on with life. Though many might be ready to put up a fight
there may be some who do not like attention. The silence gives the
miscreants an ego-boost and the problem grows bigger.
We have slowly come to believe that there is no solution
to such behaviour and an agile trick is the best to prevent trouble.
But the average woman of the 21st century is much more empowered to face these troubles head on. How?
Be alert
Alertness is the key to reach home or office without banging into
someone. A little off balance and low on the alertness level and you
may not know what is coming next. So if you are a day dreamer you need
to be careful and walk with your head high. Appear confident and bold.
Keep your eyebrows in an angry frown.
Speak up
The media made a hue and cry about the molestation that
happened in Mumbai on last New Year's Eve. It is easily forgotten that
molestation happens daily, all around the world. It never becomes a
focal point since it is never able to gather so much attention. It is
not news if someone passes a comment on you or if someone brushes
against your body in an empty train or bus.
Touching women with a sexual intention can be called one of
the most basic forms of all sexual harassment. The degrees can differ
with every situation, place and hour of the day. It happens in the lane
you walk in. It happens in markets, offices, cinema halls and any space
where there is an opportunity to eve-tease or molest. So, the second
step after being alert is to be vocal. So ladies, please speak up, make
some noise.
Hit and Score
Remember, every time that you do not react you double the
strength of an eve-teaser. Every time you react, you send a message
that you will not tolerate nonsense. Why should you? Fight you war and
do not surrender to helplessness.
For every nudge, push and brushing past, be ready to strike back with vengeance. Abuse, gather attention, hit and if necessary call an emergency number for help.
The situation should reach such an extent that we must
be able to read news stories on scared eve-teasers being set right by
women.
Think of yourself as a team. You are not alone. Take all the
help available to you. Use the anger simmering in you for some action.
Here's how you can score…
If you are pushed - Slap back (Avoid if the man appears drunk or is double your size)
If someone tries to touch you - Abuse back, gather attention and call emergency numbers
Being followed - Call emergency numbers
Passing comments - Talk back and call the police on the spot
Your handbags can serve as a very helpful device, use them intelligently. HIT hard!
Always carry some pepper powder. Use it for security purpose. It is safe and lethal.
Learn some martial arts.
Form a group of members within your area that will be ready to fight for this cause.
Never, ever keep quiet. Speak up and raise your voice.
While you may not get a trophy to
be upfront and brave but you definitely get the prize of pride and
security. It is time now that we gave up dodging our fears and unleash
our inner strength. It is not about wasting time and energy. It is
about safe guarding your self-esteem. What better occasion than
International Women's Day to change the rules of the game.
Are you ready to score? Are you ready to walk about in your city with a free spirit and even day dream if you like to do so?
* Save these emergency numbers on your mobile phones.
How important do you think is being able to walk on the road without any concerns? Have you ever consciously dodged men from colliding into you?
Supriya
Ya I never thought so carefully about it, it is just in me that I have to walk home carefully, without messing up...
Kuntal
Nice. The tips are helpful. Although slapping can be dangerous, calling the police is a better idea....
Tamanna
I always go through the same thing and avoid getting pushed. If I am really angry some day then I may abuse but I don’t get into fights. I don’t like calling attention to myself. It also depends o...
