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As Yogi Adityanath's Government completes 100 days, let's have a look at it's second most favourite thing after Gau-rakshaks, i.e. anti-romeo squads.
As Yogi Adityanath’s Government completes its first 100 days, let’s have a look at its second most favourite thing after Gau-rakshaks, i.e. Anti-Romeo Squads.
“After the formation of anti-romeo squads, women in the state feel much safer,” UP Chief Minister Adityanath said while speaking about the crime against women in the state.
“Do they, though?” is a question we should ask ourselves and all the women in UP. In the same article by the Times of India, the top comment answers this question quite appropriately: “Women feel safe in UP, because they don’t go out of their homes due to fear of getting harassed by anti-romeo goons.” by someone who called herself Sarcastic Bee.
Ever since their appointment, the anti-romeo squads have been the centre of debates, with people arguing about their purpose: whether they actually protect women or is it just a ploy to harass couples, as it becomes clear from the numerous reports of their goon-ery and violence, and some ridiculous statements about identifying the said ‘romeos’. And now the CM very conveniently blowing his own trumpet speaks volumes about the actual work that is being done under all that noise.
Why is it that the government went in for a measure that aims at such an ambiguous eradication of molesters and perps? How does a said ‘anti-romeo’ distinguish a ‘romeo’ from an ordinary man? Except for the publicity that this move has gained, nothing much has been reported about its effectiveness.
The point to note is, whenever the dial stops at women’s safety there are only big statements made, speeches emphasised and posters stuck behind vehicles, generally before an election. Why we need to have such explicit and additional safety measures for women is a question for another day. What about the things that are already in place but don’t work? For instance, regular police patrols, registering a FIR from a woman without asking her questions about her outfit or about her friends circle or her routine, proper investigation and not assuming that ‘boys will be boys’.
Wouldn’t more than half the problem vanish if the systems in place do their work and not undermine a woman’s statement because she is… drum roll a woman? Governments should focus on first strengthening their basic amenities, rather then go on forming special squads.Do something tangible, make a difference – not do something different to gain praises and publicity. If we need a special force for our protection, tell me, what then is the difference between us and an endangered animal? Not much, I’d say.
New Delhi, India I like to read, write, and talk. A feminist through and through, with a soft spot for chocolate. read more...
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We say that we live in modern times and talk on subjects like feminism, supporting your loved ones, encouraging them to follow their dreams. But how many of us can really say that they actually do that?
We live in a world where there comes times in everyone’s life when one has to make choices which will leave a long term impact in not just their life but on the lives of those attached to them.
Giving the ones you claim to love the freedom and space to make their own choices and the wings to fly is not only the right thing to do but sometimes its also the thing they need the most; without having to face the ‘guilt’ of living the life they want.
She would serve everyone fresh food and serve herself the stale rice and curries from the previous meal. Some days after finishing the leftovers she was so full she would not even be able to even taste the fresh food.
When I married the first time, my MIL told me that during the Navratri the lady of the house should not eat stale food. ‘Gharatlya bai ni shila khau naye’ — in refined upper caste Marathi.
I was just 26, eager to please, not versed in patriarchy or feminism, and it seemed like a positive thing — respect for the goddess in woman.
But soon I realised she spent the remaining 356 days of her year finishing leftovers. And that I was expected to do the same.