It needs to decide and affirmatively agree that each person has the right to be safe. Our constitution states that every single person is equal before the law. So why should it not be reflected in practice? women and girls must be allowed to access education, healthcare, choice of career, choice of marriage partner, or the right to stay single. They should not be punished for their choice of garments, friends, or leisure activities. In short, they must be given respect and be allowed to exercise their rights.
The police must ensure police stations are welcoming places for women to make complaints. It does not serve anyone well that official statistics on crime against women are severely under-reported. Suppressing these complaints only weakens the system and emboldens perpetrators.
Corporates can play their part by ensuring they have effective policies to deal with sexual harassment at the workplace. They must also work on their organisational culture to prevent a hostile work environment for women. It is a great investment for the future if their employees are able to work comfortably with each other without violating rules of consent or playing power games.
