Ask any Woman of any age walking the streets of Kohima whether they were ever spared from leud comments from men while shopping, buying veggies or even just walking, their answer would be No. It is very disturbing to see that women are not safe from men’s stares or eaves teasing even in a state like Nagaland where we feel that women are safe, especially, in the capital.
The soft targets are usually the ones who are alone or teenage girls. The teasing starts from the time you step out of the house. Go near the bus stop, the drivers and the conductors always have something to say, even men standing by the sidewalks or standing somewhere on the balcony would pass some comments which they think makes them more of a man or a stud. Take a taxi and the drivers around would not miss a chance to make a remark. Since most women who are being teased are either alone or too embarrassed, they ignore and just pass by, making the men only too brave to pass more comments. Taking a cue from the elders, even teenage boys have started the trend of eaves teasing. Even men in moving vehicles do not stop from teasing vulnerable targets.
When can women be ever free from assault of men? When can women walk the streets without having to feel unsafe? When will men learn to respect women? When will men stop to see women as objects of lust and assault?
Any form of teasing that disturbs the well being of a woman should be considered as emotional assault and should be booked as an offence under the law. Lawmakers and leaders should be able to check such things happening to women. Its time women are able to walk the streets without having to think about being unsafe. Serious thoughts should be given on how to curb such menaces. If ignored, it will only grow worse.
Ason Chang
