New Delhi:
As the world observed International Women's Day on Friday, for Indian women it is about basic rights of safety and security.
The wake-up call as a result of the brutal Delhi gang rape triggered mass protests across India, asking for stringent punishment for rapists to put an end to such crimes. But three months on, Indian women still find themselves struggling for safety in their own cities.
"Nothing was happening, or during that time, still everything was there, with women going over there, protesting, were also treated very badly. So, there is no security for a common lady. Even the president's daughter said that she doesn't feel safe so how can we being the common women feel safe?" asked Apurva, a local resident.
A surge in reports of crime against women has made the government take urgent steps. Recently, the Indian finance minister set aside funds for safety of women during a budget announcement. But India still has not introduced a new bill, which is expected to curb violence against women.
Fast-track courts have been set up meanwhile, as a special 24-hour helpline for women to call in case of any incidents.
The female population in India remains soft targets even though police stations are setting aside personnel to deal with crimes specifically related to women.
The city of Delhi recently saw another incident where a seven-year-old girl was raped at a school on February 27.
Authorities say changes are taking effect, however, it will take time.
"We must appreciate that the change will not come in one day. Who will make the changes? We people are going to make the changes. We people are going to do something for them," said Sasmite Tripathy, legal counselor from the Delhi Commission of Women.
Social activists working in the domain say the promises have been hollow.Amarjit Kaur, a social activist said the changes in criminal justice and law are now what actually people want.
To make matters worse, the Indian capital has been voted the most unsafe metropolis city in the country for women traveling alone for leisure or business.
As more and more women are employed, they all seek a safe and secure society, as the country's celebrated International Women's Day.
