The Growing Persecution of Women in India has a Fallout on Kashmir

If there is any country that makes international headlines for its treatment of women, it is India. India is also famous for the exploitation and trafficking of women. Women in India face life threating challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and violence; they are often subjected to sexual exploitation and trafficking. This essay will explore the reasons behind India’s reputation for women exploitation and the impact that this has on the lives of women in the country.

One of the main reasons behind India’s reputation for women exploitation is poverty. Many women in India live in extreme poverty and are forced to migrate to urban areas in search of work. This migration often leads to exploitation, as women are vulnerable to abuse and trafficking, with many being forced into the sex trade or subjected to other forms of exploitation. For as little as $35, Indian women and girls are being sold by traffickers and forced into marriages against their will.

Discrimination against women is another major factor contributing to India’s reputation for women exploitation. Women in India face widespread discrimination, both in their homes and in the workplace, and are often denied access to education and healthcare. This discrimination makes them more vulnerable to exploitation, as they are less likely to have the resources or support to resist or escape abuse.

Sexual exploitation is also a major issue in India, with women and girls being subjected to trafficking and prostitution on a large scale. The sex trade in India is driven by demand, with many men seeking out young girls and women for sexual services. This exploitation is often facilitated by organized crime networks, which take advantage of the poverty and desperation of women and girls to recruit them into the sex trade.

The impact of women exploitation and trafficking on the lives of women in India is profound. Women who are subjected to exploitation often experience physical and emotional trauma, and are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. They are also often denied access to healthcare and education, which can limit their future opportunities and impact their quality of life.

It is difficult to provide a precise number of rape and women trafficking cases that have been observed in India, as these crimes are often underreported. However, according to official data, there were approximately 33,658 reported cases of rape in India in 2019, and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that the number of reported human trafficking cases increased by over 60% between 2016 and 2018.

It is important to note that these figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual number of rape and trafficking cases that occur in India. Due to social stigma and a lack of trust in the legal system, many victims of these crimes do not report them, and the true extent of the problem is unknown.

In recent years, there have been efforts to increase reporting and improve the response to rape and trafficking cases in India, including the introduction of stricter laws and the creation of dedicated police units to investigate these crimes. However, much more needs to be done to address the root causes of these crimes, including poverty, discrimination, and cultural attitudes that contribute to violence against women.

The situation for women in IIOJK has been a matter of concern for human rights organizations for many years. The region has been subjected to conflict and military occupation for decades, which has had a significant impact on the lives of women in the area.

Women in Kashmir have been subjected to human rights abuses, including violence, sexual assault, and extrajudicial killings. They have also experienced restrictions on their freedom of movement, with many being unable to leave their homes due to curfews and military checkpoints. The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the local economy, with many women being forced into poverty and unable to access basic services such as healthcare and education.

In recent years, the situation in Kashmir has been further exacerbated by the Indian government’s decision to revoke the region’s special status and impose a communications blackout and restrictions on freedom of expression. This has made it difficult for women in the region to access information and seek help in the case of abuse.

The prevalent violence against women in India should be a cause of a concern for international community. The silence from the human rights defenders is baffling to say the least. It’s as they are complicit in this heinous crime against humanity.

Talha Imran
Talha Imran
Independent researcher and Lecturer at National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.