PROTECTION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND DIGNITY: A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India was a great admirer of women’s qualities. Especially, while remembering nobility of his mother, the incomparable love she showered on him and his siblings, he once said, “My mother was a woman of love, kindness and, above all, a divine nature. I firmly believe that the respect that its women enjoy tells us how developed a country is."  Equally, Kalam sir truly believed that every man must have the courage to stand up against any injustice done to the other gender. India has demonstrated this over centuries, and we should salute and further this quality. It has been observed that from the Vedic period women have always been given the highest respectable status in our country (except few contradictions). But, in contemporary India despite various laws and government endeavors for their development, education and empowerment; the conduct of bad elements of society towards women and girls is condemnable. There is widespread violence faced by women. It is a shame that in many places the women and girls are sexually harassed, socially abused and sometimes their dignity, choices and freedom are brutally attacked. This paper asserts, besides laws and efforts of governments the women’s development, education, protection and safety are a sacred duty of society as a whole. This study also suggests everybody must respect the right of women to equal opportunities and a dignified life. We have a collective responsibility to create a social system that ensures the safety, security and dignity of women in society.