Unveiling the Persistent Menace: Eve-Teasing and Harassment Faced by Women in Kashmir

Zia Darakshan

I vividly recall the front cover of Women’s Era magazine from my childhood—a beautiful young girl adorned in a stylish green kurta pyjama, with neatly brushed short hair and a matching green bindi, clenching her fists closely. A few ruffians observed her from a distance, engaging in indecent gestures. The frightful and equally disturbing look on the girl’s face was evident subjected to the intrusive gaze of these boys .. At that time, I could hardly comprehend the picture, but as I grew older, I understood the poignant narrative it depicted without needing an explanation. This is the story of every woman, where 100% of them face harassment at some point in their lives, irrespective of their financial condition, beauty, color, race, class or even age . The question arises: Do we ever talk about men’s empowerment? No, never, because there is no need to. However, we frequently discuss women’s emancipation and liberation because the need has persisted. Despite ongoing discussions and debates on women’s empowerment for an extended period,a concept that cropped up during 19th and 20th century when Marxists and liberal thinkers raised voice against the long standing harassment of women and advocated equality of women , violence against women has not seen a decline; in fact, it has increased. Although rules in many countries, have tightened against harassment of women in the workplace and at home, there is not enough attention given to crimes like eve-teasing—harassment women face in public places. Among developing countries, India tops the list in recording an increase in sexual harassment cases in public places due to the rising participation of women in activities outside the home, such as education and employment. The term “eve teasing” itself reflects the nature of the offense. It involves the playful or malicious harassment of women, encompassing both physical and psychological forms of misconduct. This can include making fun, provoking, annoying, embarrassing, and engaging in various actions such as comments, remarks, gestures, jokes, physical contact, and taunts. Notably, the term “eve teasing” is a unique and euphemistic expression specific to South Asia, particularly in India. Its usage is not prevalent in Britain or European countries. This cultural specificity emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issue within the local context. It is worth mentioning that eve teasing is legally recognized as a crime under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code, with a maximum punishment provision of three years of imprisonment. Despite the legal framework, it remains a grave issue, constituting harassment against women in public places such as workplaces or streets. This form of harassment is often downplayed, but its seriousness cannot be overstated. Eve teasing encompasses a range of actions, including sly whistles, casual touches, humming suggestive songs, and more. The criminal laws in India acknowledge this as a gendered crime against women, where the perpetrators are typically men. According to the annual report of NCRB 2019 (National Crime Record Bureau)India has revealed a distressing surge of 4% in crimes against women throughout 2022.This includes cruelty by husbands and relatives ,abductions ,assaults,and rapes. The NCRB report detailed a substantial escalation in reported crimes against women, soaring from 3,71,503 cases in 2020 to 4,45,256 cases in 2022. Compared to 2021’s 4,28,278 cases, the 2022 statistics marked a troubling increase. Studies attribute several factors to sexual harassment of women by men, where the gender, age, and socio-cultural background of both the perpetrator and victim play significant roles. Eve-teasing is a pervasive threat to women, occurring daily, leaving them feeling insecure, embarrassed, and humiliated. In the context of our region, eve-teasing is not something unusual. In Kashmir it is on the rise in, particularly in Srinagar city, and possibly in villages and districts, though they often go unreported. here, official data quoted by the local media is worth mentioning. It reveals that Srinagar district reported seven rape cases in 2020, 21 cases in 2021, 14 cases in 2022, and five cases registered so far in 2023. Similarly, under the category of ‘Sexual Offences against Children’, the district recorded 8 cases in 2020, 20 cases in 2021, 26 cases in 2022, and 12 cases in the current year. Regarding ‘Kidnapping of Women’, there were 42 cases in 2020, 83 cases in 2021, 116 cases in 2022, and 36 cases registered so far in 2023.There were 187 cases of molestation in 2020, 204 cases in 2021, 227 cases in 2022. This kind of rising crime scenario has become a significant concern for many parents, as young girls frequently face harassment while walking to tuition centers, markets, employment places, or even recreational spots. Due to the lack of safety, young girls prefer not to travel alone, opting to take along friends or family members for protection, as told by one of my acquaintances when detailing her daily experiences. While we often associate eve-teasing with road Romeos, typically young boys, a deeper examination reveals that college and school boys may engage in such behavior for fun, out of a liking for a girl, hormonal influences, or the misguided perception of their infatuation as love. The situation worsens with middle-aged or older individuals who not only pass lewd comments but also engage in more grievous acts such as groping, lecherous staring,Kerb crawling. Another acquaintance, a middle-aged woman shared her experience of being subjected to uncomfortable gazes and lecherous behavior from groups of older men in traditional pherans while she was out for a stroll. Feeling violated and uncomfortable, the woman has opted to work out at home instead of going out out. Both the women represent different age groups, but both stories accentuate the alarming reality that women of all ages can be victims of harassment from men. However, there is another intriguing aspect to middle-aged woman’s story. In her case, the perpetrators are older individuals who should be providing guidance to younger generations, teaching them values and urging them to respect women. When those who are expected to set an example are themselves involved in such activities, it adds complexity to the challenges faced by society. Kerb crawling menace Another trend that is rampant in Srinagar city is Kerb crawling . The google definition of kerb crawling says, “A kerb crawler (or curb crawler) is a person who drives around the areas known for street prostitution soliciting prostitutes for sexual activity. The act is known as “kerb crawling” because the person will typically drive very slowly along the kerbside.” A breed of kerb crawlers chase women without any lead the moment they see them travelling alone .I am sure Kashmir is not a place where flesh trade is acceptable in any form yet Kerb crawlers are increasing manifold. It’s an unfortunate reality that many women frequently encounter the experience of being pursued by Kerb crawlers as they venture out. The situation worsens as these predators extend invitations for rides ,making it an extremely uneasy situation for women waiting for the bus or any other mode of transportation. The escalating magnitude of this issue in Kashmir is a cause for growing concern with each passing day . The matter extends beyond the personal experience of women ,it has become a collective worry for parents as well as families to take proper measures to curb such eve teasing like menace. So, what should be done to fight the menace? Addressing this menace of eve-teasing in any form requires immediate and concerted efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of women in public spaces. It is vital for communities to take proactive measures in curbing such incidents and stimulating an environment where women can move freely without fear or discomfort. In such situations, the only recourse for parents is to empower their children by urging them to report such incidents. Encouraging them to be bold and refuse to remain silent in the face of harassment.The situation is far from ideal ,demanding a sustained and collective effort to address this pervasive problem. Unfortunately existing laws have fallen short in curbing the menace of eve teasing . To counteract this issue ,we need a comprehensive remedy.Stricter punishment, better enforcement mechanism, gender sensitization, public education could be some of the effective methods to combat this social evil.Combining legal measure with educational initiatives ,we can hope to build a safer and more respectful environment for women . Dr. Samuel Johnson, an 18th-century English writer and lexicographer, once remarked on the intrinsic power bestowed upon women by nature,he says, ‘ nature has given women so much power that the law has given them very little.’ To conclude , no woman aspires to merely adorn the front cover of a magazine; for weak and timid reasons instead, they aspire to be celebrated for their merits ,courage and accomplishments, surpassing any notion of being perceived as inferior or incapable beings.