Women’s Safety in India: Beyond Politics, Toward Reality and Progress

What happens when a serious issue like women’s safety becomes part of a public debate? People may begin to focus on selective narratives instead of the full picture. Recently, an article published on Money on the Left discussed women’s safety in India alongside political themes. While concerns about violence against women are important and deserve attention, it is equally essential to acknowledge the many initiatives, legal reforms, and awareness efforts being undertaken across the country. Over the years, the Government of India, including leadership under PM Narendra Modi, has introduced multiple policies and programs aimed at strengthening women’s protection, empowerment, and access to justice. Presenting the issue in a balanced way helps ensure that challenges are addressed while also recognizing progress and ongoing efforts.

The intention is to show that progress is also happening, that government policies are playing a role, and that linking women’s safety with cultural or religious identity is not as straightforward as some narratives suggest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by BJP women's wing leaders during their National Convention, in Ahmedabad on December 22. (PTI Photo) | Hindustan Times

Respect for Women in Hindu Thought and Tradition

Before comparing any ideology with women’s safety, it is important to understand the cultural foundation being discussed. Hindu philosophy has historically placed strong emphasis on respecting women. Ancient texts contain the famous line, “Yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devata,” which means that where women are respected, divine blessings exist. The feminine divine is worshipped in multiple forms such as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, representing power, prosperity, and knowledge.

Historically, women scholars such as Gargi and Maitreyi participated in philosophical debates during the Vedic period. This does not mean Indian society has always been perfect or free from patriarchy, but it does show that the cultural roots themselves are not anti-women. Like every civilization, India has had both empowering traditions and social problems that evolved over time.

Because of this complexity, directly linking Hindu identity or Hindutva politics with women’s insecurity becomes an oversimplification.

Government Efforts Under Narendra Modi

Over the past decade, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s safety, dignity, education, and economic independence. These policies combine welfare programs, legal reforms, and institutional support systems designed to improve the lives of women across India.

Safety and Protection Programs

The government has expanded several initiatives focused on protecting women from violence and harassment. The umbrella scheme Mission Shakti integrates services such as women’s helplines, One-Stop Crisis Centres, and legal and counselling support for victims of violence. Funding for these initiatives has been increased to strengthen safety and empowerment efforts.

In addition, the Women Safety Umbrella Scheme supports technological tools, improved policing systems, and victim assistance programs to enhance protection and rapid response.

Education and Girl Child Support

Promoting education for girls remains a key national priority. The program Beti Bachao Beti Padhao works to improve the child sex ratio while encouraging families to educate and support daughters. Financial initiatives such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana allow families to invest in their daughters’ education and future security.

Financial Independence and Employment

Several initiatives encourage women’s entrepreneurship and participation in the workforce. Programs such as Startup India, Stand-Up India, and the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana provide loans, training, and opportunities for women to start businesses or expand their careers. These initiatives have significantly increased women’s participation in entrepreneurship and leadership roles in startups.

Health and Maternity Support

Women’s health and well-being have also been strengthened through national welfare schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides financial support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, benefiting millions of women. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided free LPG connections to households, greatly improving health conditions by reducing exposure to indoor smoke.

Legal and Political Reforms

The government has also introduced landmark legal reforms to strengthen women’s rights. The criminalization of instant triple talaq through the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 ensured greater protection and dignity for Muslim women. In addition, the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill marked a historic step toward increasing women’s representation in India’s legislatures.

Together, these initiatives highlight a comprehensive national effort to empower women through safety measures, educational opportunities, economic independence, healthcare support, and stronger legal protections.

Understanding the “Love Jihad” Debate with Real Examples

One of the controversial topics often dismissed entirely in some discussions is the issue popularly called “love jihad.” The reality is more complicated than extreme positions on either side.

There have been cases investigated by police where allegations included identity concealment or coercion after relationships. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, authorities arrested individuals in multiple cases under state anti-conversion laws where complaints alleged that women were pressured to change religion after marriage. Similarly, investigations in Karnataka have examined complaints involving false identities used in relationships.

At the same time, courts including the Supreme Court of India have repeatedly affirmed that adult women have full freedom to choose their partners and religion. Many interfaith marriages occur with mutual consent and without any wrongdoing.

This shows that the issue cannot be dismissed entirely as propaganda, nor can it be generalized to all relationships. The correct approach is to protect women’s autonomy while also addressing cases of deception or coercion when they occur.

Is It Fair to Link Ideology With Women’s Safety?

Most crimes against women in India, especially domestic violence, happen inside homes. The causes are usually personal and social factors such as family conflict, financial stress, substance abuse, and long-standing gender norms. These issues exist in every country, regardless of political ideology or religion.

When an article suggests that a particular ideology is mainly responsible for women’s insecurity, it risks ignoring the deeper social causes that actually need solutions. Political debates may attract attention, but they do not always help victims.

Signs of Improvement That Cannot Be Ignored

India is changing in many ways that affect women’s safety positively. More girls are attending school and college. Women are starting businesses, joining professions, and becoming financially independent. Reporting of crimes has increased, partly because awareness and access to police have improved. Technology such as emergency helplines and digital complaint systems has made it easier for women to seek help.

Social attitudes are also slowly changing. Public protests against violence, media attention, and conversations about consent and rights are stronger today than in previous generations.

Progress is not uniform and challenges remain serious, but improvement is visible.

A Balanced Way Forward

Women’s safety should never become a political weapon. It is a human issue that requires cooperation across society, government, and communities. Criticism is necessary because it pushes institutions to improve. But criticism should also recognize positive changes, otherwise the discussion becomes incomplete.

India today is moving forward with resilience and increasing potential. It is a country dealing with deep social problems while also making meaningful progress. Understanding both realities is the only way to move forward toward genuine safety and equality for women.

(Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, India Times, Business Standard, Hindustan Times, India Today, Hindustan Times)