I know, you’ve read enough already! You probably shook your head when you saw the headline. Another rape? God, what is this country coming to? Why don’t they do something about it? The shock turns into anger and then the anger fades into resignation. With the shadow of fear lurking close by, we go back to our daily lives and justice mostly goes back to sleep.

Justitia is still sleeping – #JusticeForJisha

— Praveen Nair PMP MVP (@ninethsense) May 7, 2016

Another day, another victim. The news anchor on the television is recounting the brutal horrors. Headlines scream to catch our attention. The shadow of fear inches a little closer. We become more vigilant, some even impose curfews on their daughters, reprimand them for dressing inappropriately. Some go out to protest, they are desperate to make their voice heard and are determined that justice will help drive away the shadow of fear. It wears them down while justice continues to sleep.

#justiceforjisha How many daughters of india will have to sacrifice their lives before a change comes through??? #SHAME

— Parvathy Omanakuttan (@ParvathyO_1303) May 7, 2016

Jyoti Singh’s case in December 2012 shook the nation and thousands came out to protest and demand change. It led to some results. But the problem won’t disappear. Unless, each one of us, takes a close look at our surroundings. We need to repeatedly ask ourselves: Why is this happening?

Stop objectifying women. #JusticeForJisha

— Sivarangini (@sivxrangini) May 7, 2016

Rape does not happen because a woman was scantily-dressed or because she was out late at night. Rape is a crime of power. Rape happens in societies where women are daily targets of violence. So we need to ask ourselves some very uncomfortable questions: Where is this violence coming from and why? How can I stop this violence and brutality? What values can I give my sons and daughters? I don’t have to impose curfews on my daughter. I have to teach my son to respect women. It is easier said than done.

No girl is #Nirbhaya. Brutality causes unbearable pain. #Jyoti and #Jisha were compelled to bear pain and fight. #JusticeForJisha

— Afender (@Juheejindal) May 7, 2016

We have to promise ourselves that we won’t go numb. We won’t let go of our anger. We won’t resign. We need to channel our anger constructively. Our anger gives us the strength to fight century old norms and traditions. The names of Jyoti and Jisha maybe forgotten in a few years and the world will have moved on, but we need to hold on to our anger to remind ourselves of what happened and make sure that we do everything in our power so it doesn’t happen again.

Author: Roma Rajpal-Weiß

Editor: Marjory Linardy

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WTO RECOMMENDS

Atrocities on women in India: ‘It’s not just a gender problem.’

In the backdrop of the numerous reported cases of rapes, gang rapes and widely visible discrimination against women in India, the German author, artist and social worker Dr. Katharina Poggendorf-Kakar spoke about the India-specific form of such violent acts. (From July 14, 2015)

To be or not to be India’s Daughter?

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, NDTV, India’s largest English news channel, was due to broadcast British filmmaker Leslee Udwin’s documentary India’s Daughter. The film is based on the brutal murder and gangrape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, Jyoti Singh also known as Nirbhaya which means ‘The Fearless One’. (From March 8, 2015)

Rights Group Documents Mass Rape in Darfur

The rights group Human Rights Watch says that more than 200 women and girls were raped by members of the Sudanese army in a 36-hour assault on the north Darfur town of Tabit beginning on October 30, 2014. DW spoke to Human Rights Watch spokesperson Leslie Lefkow. (From February 20, 2015)