On December 16, 2024, Nirbhaya's mother, Asha Devi, addressed attendees at the National Convention on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children, marking the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's brutal gang-rape and murder. She spoke emotionally, emphasizing the troubling lack of progress made since the horrific incident shocked the nation.
Asha Devi's predicament encapsulates the current climate of women's safety across India. Despite significant changes to laws and heightened societal awareness, she lamented, "Our girls are progressing and studying, but if we talk about crime, justice, or punishment, even today we are in the same state as in 2012". Her words resonate powerfully, underscoring the alarming reality faced by women throughout the country today.
The Nirbhaya case, which involved the gang-rape of a 23-year-old student on December 16, 2012, sparked nationwide protests and instigated calls for urgent reform of the Indian legal system. The victim and her friend were brutally attacked and thrown from the bus. Nirbhaya succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012, leading to public outrage and significant legislative changes, including amendments to the Indian Penal Code aimed at strengthening punishment for sexual offenses.
Yet, twelve years later, reports indicate little has changed. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against women have increased by over 31% from 2014 to 2022. From 337,922 cases in 2014 to 445,526 cases in 2022, the figures reflect systemic issues still haunting the nation.
At this year’s convention, Asha Devi's frustration was palpable. "Daughters remain vulnerable regardless of their whereabouts—schools, offices, or even within their own homes," she stated, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform. She demanded swifter justice, more effective police investigations, and stronger penalties for offenders to create genuine change.
On the same day, the Supreme Court agreed to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) calling for pan-India safety guidelines for women. Justice Surya Kant noted the necessity to evaluate where existing laws were failing, emphasizing, "There is not something wrong with the quantity of punishment, but something else." The court seeks to address the rampant issues of underreporting and systemic failures hindering women's safety.
Filing the PIL, senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani highlighted the persistence of societal attitudes undermining these new laws. She argued, "Instead of politicizing sensitive issues, the government must prioritize the security of vulnerable citizens and increase funds for safety initiatives."
But the reality for women remains grim, as highlighted by various victims' families who struggle to obtain justice. Asha Devi's experiences echo those of many others awaiting resolution from the authorities. She recalls unresolved cases, like the RG Kar Medical College incident, where several crimes went unreported, only emphasizing the need for accountability within law enforcement and administrative systems.
The continuation of gender-based violence came sharply back to public attention recently because of multiple incidents, including the gang-rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor. This latest tragedy demonstrates how deeply ingrained societal failures perpetuate the horrific state of women's safety.
Asha Devi reflected on the pain she feels, emphasizing how her daughter's death does not bring closure when numerous families face similar horrors each day. "If we want future generations to live without fear, it is imperative to create serious change," she said.
The Nirbhaya case was more than just the tragic ending of one young woman's life; it served as the catalyst for reform and the establishment of the Nirbhaya Fund—aimed at ensuring the safety and security of women across India. The fund has financed initiatives like the installation of CCTV cameras in public areas. Despite some progress, the fear still looms large.
Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, BJP MP from Jajpur, Odisha, emphasized the multifactorial nature of the problem. He stated, "Day by day, crimes are increasing. Women need education about safety, and parents should instill discipline. The government, NGOs, and society must take collective responsibility to create an environment where women feel safe."
While the amendments to the law and increased funding hold promise, many experts believe more systemic reform is required to effect genuine change. Sociocultural factors underlying gender-based violence must also be addressed. The normalization of patriarchal attitudes continues to silence victims, often rendering them powerless. The need for effective implementation of existing laws requires attention, along with public discourse surrounding this pervasive issue.
Asha Devi concludes, urging for societal change as well as legal reform. "Every parent facing the same pain deserves justice for their child; it’s not enough to reform the laws if we don’t reform our hearts and minds—education and awareness must go hand-in-hand with punishment and enforcement."
Given the statistics and the lived experiences of countless women, the fight for safety continues. Twelve years post-Nirbhaya, the question remains haunting: How many more years will it take until women in India can walk freely and safely without fear?
