The Persian writing on her hands: women should have the same rights as men (picture-alliance/dpa)

When we hear the phrase “women’s issues,” numerous issues and problems come to our minds and most of the problems have been prevalent for centuries. In spite of the plans and policies at national and international levels, no substantial work has been done for the elimination of these issues from women’s lives. Only superficial efforts have been made, which hardly influence the living standards of women at grass root level.

Yet another gang rape – this time in a bus in the Indian capital – has revived the debate in India as to whether the country is safe for women. What makes the debate all the more urgent is the fact that this heinous crime is similar in nature to several others in the last few months without any stern punishment of the offenders.

Before debating further on the safety of women in Delhi, or making comparisons with crime statistics in the city’s past,

Almost a tenth of Kerala’s population lives in the Gulf States and in Europe. While highly skilled graduates leave to seek lucrative jobs elsewhere, many poor families depend on remittances from abroad – at a high price.

One morning, Aisha P.N. decided to go on hunger strike. Her employer rushed into the dark hut made of rough plywood and cardboard, hidden from sight under his mahogany staircase. He stood over her worn mattress, threatening to beat her with a stick if she didn’t get up. His wives and children looked on, impassively. “But I just didn’t care,” Aisha says, absent-mindedly tugging at her loose red scarf.