Why do we still need to discuss women's safety as a problem? Safety should be a basic right, not something that people have to fight for. Yet, even today, many women think twice before going out alone, travelling at night or speaking up about harassment. The fact that women's safety is still a topic of discussion shows that there is a problem that society has not fully addressed.
Many people treat women's safety as a women's issue, but it affects everyone. When a woman does not feel safe, her freedom is affected. Families become overprotective, opportunities are limited and restrictions are imposed in the name of safety. A girl's education, career choices and independence can all be influenced by the fear of what might happen to her.
What troubles me the most is how often society questions the victim instead of the offender. After an incident, people ask where she was, what she was wearing or why she was outside. Rarely do they ask why someone felt entitled to harass, abuse or harm another person. If society can come together to question a victim, why can it not come together to ensure her safety?
Women's safety cannot be achieved by women alone. Parents, schools, communities, law enforcement agencies and, most importantly, individuals all have a role to play. Respect should not be taught only to daughters but also to sons. Real change will come when we stop placing the burden of safety entirely on women and start addressing the attitudes that make them feel unsafe in the first place.
True empowerment is not only about providing opportunities to women but also ensuring that they feel safe while pursuing them.
Women's safety is not a favour that society gives to women. It is their right. And protecting that right is a responsibility shared by all of us.
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