Women bear almost all responsibility for meeting basic needs of the family, yet are systematically denied the resources, information and freedom of action they need to fulfill this responsibility.

Women safety is a deep rooted problem that requires a comprehensive solution and plan. This means that first of all women must consider safety a way of life and take it into consideration in all walks of life – at home, in public, in work place etc.

Second, women must feel empowered and have a sense of self esteem and importance. Women must understand their importance and power – socially, financially and even legally.

Third, women must learn basic self defense techniques, use of technology (cell phones) and basic deterrent behavior for their personal safety.

In the simplest of words it is basically the creation of an environment where women can make independent decisions on their personal development as well as shine as equals in society.

Women want to be treated as equals so much so that if a woman rises to the top of her field it should be a commonplace occurrence that draws nothing more than a raised eyebrow at the gender. This can only happen if there is a channelized route for the empowerment of women.

Thus it is no real surprise that women empowerment in India is a hotly discussed topic with no real solution looming in the horizon except to doubly redouble our efforts and continue to target the sources of all the violence and ill-will towards women.

It has been proved that when women are supported and empowered, their families are healthier, more children go to school, agricultural productivity improves and incomes increase. In short, communities become more resilient.

-Mahashweta Bhattacharya