'Rape Has Nothing to do With The Way Women Dress', Says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The Minister questioned that if the dress is the reason, then why are old women or toddlers sexually abused.
New Delhi, May 8: Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday broke her silence over the increasing number of crimes against women and called for a change in mindset. Sitharaman said it is ridiculous to claim that a woman's attire is the reason behind a rape. She further questioned, if the dress is the reason, then why does an elderly woman or a toddler is sexually abused.
Sitharaman addressed 'Stories That Matter'-- an event organised at FICCI and released the Gender Parity Survey Report. While speaking at an event organised by industry lobby FICCI in Delhi, Sitharaman said, “What efforts can be made by external agencies when you have known people absolutely violating the women? Some people say about the way women dress. Then why does rape happen of elderly people? Why does rape happen of toddlers?"
Watch Video: Rape has nothing to do with the way women dress, says Defence Minister
She questioned that if the dress is the reason, then why are old women or toddlers sexually abused. The Minister further added that law agencies need to be more proactive in providing safety to women. "Out of every 10 such incidents, seven are committed by people who know the victim-- relative, friends, neighbour. Law enforcement agencies need to be far more proactive, I concede all that," she said.
The Minister said that she is trying to push the argument that a lot is upon us in terms of the mindsets with which boys are brought up in our families. Sitharaman added that police need to be reformed and women's legislation should be taken up more actively.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2018 12:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).