Television actresses speak up on 'women safety' in India

The very famous saying that ‘Behind every successful man, there is a woman’ doesn’t seem to have any relevance in today’s society taking into consideration the prevailing cruelties towards teenage girls and women. Talking of the present scenario, the women folk walk hand-in-hand with men in every field of life; be that for the post of the President or the Prime Minister of the country or be it for that of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. What is amusing is, on the other side of the coin, it is sheer darkness! Women continue to face atrocities such as female foeticide, rapes, acid throwing, dowry killings, young girls being forced into prostitution and other situations that are going from bad to worse. Today on Women’s Day, we speak to some television actresses and ask them on their take on security of women in the society. Read on to know what they said… Suhasi Dhami: I personally feel that the state of women at large and the scenario women face today have remained the same right from the very beginning. It is just that we get news so regularly from every corner of the world because the media has now become very advanced. There can be no denying that a certain percentage of women have taken it upon them to fight such atrocities and that has made a difference. I would like to tell all the women out there to fight injustice being meted out against them; after all everything is in our hands. Chhavi Pandey: The level of security and scare is the same as what was earlier and I do not think anything can be done about this till the time a certain law is enacted that comes up with a feasible solution to put an end to the crimes against women, the numbers of which are increasing day-by-day. Today, women have progressed a lot, but when it comes to minor things like dressing, I think the society’s perception has not changed on this front yet. Though there is nothing much we can do, I would like to advise all women out there to take a stand in case of harassment and approach the law without thinking of what the people around would react like. Also, if women see others around them being harassed, I think it is high time that they should fight back and put an end to such crimes taking place around us. Neha Marda: To be a woman is a privilege. This Women’s Day, I would like to say that we have to stand up against the negative elements of society. Currently, in my show Doli Armaanon Ki, we have been tackling the issue of eve-teasing and ‘Power of 49’ to highlight the fact that we need to change the mindset of society and educate and empower women to exercise their rights to vote and have a responsible government at the helm. While playing the character of Urmi, I realized the atrocities that a woman can be subjected to if her husband is not supportive; it is such a misfortune. Urmi is seen retaliating to get her rights as a wife and I would like to really motivate every woman facing domestic issues to sensibly handle such issues. Let’s pledge to stand up for your right! Happy Women’s Day! Reena Kapoor: Unfortunately, the safety of women has just gone from bad to worse and that too in a country which once upon a time respected women the most. It’s high time that we take care of ourselves and stand up. I think our country lives in two cultures where women are at par with men and are respected in organizations and work environment and at the same time asked to take care of the social and traditional drama in the society. I think all the crimes majorly happen when people who are mostly uneducated, do not accept that women can flourish and that is when their frustration comes out in the open. Aashka Goradia: I have heard about rapes and other crimes taking place. Have been hearing about this for long and do not know till when I am going to continue hearing about such crimes on women. If something has to be done, it is only we who can do as the other species is not going to help us. I would like to tell all the women folk that being a woman is a big challenge. Today on Women’s Day, I would just say that be proud that you’re a woman and do not get scared about being one. Shilpa Shirodkar: Let me take this special occasion to wish all the maids who work for us and all the helping hands of every household and working woman. On the personal front, I have come back to acting after a hiatus and trust me; it is an effort to balance the two worlds. I bow down to the working women who are persistently establishing their individual identity and at the same time playing the role of a homemaker. I want to extend my heartiest wishes to all the women who work as household helps.It is unfortunate that due recognition does not come for this section of the society. I take this day to tell all the women who work as maids that it is a big service you render to make others’ homes.