WHILE the world listens, aghast, to the news of the violence against women coming out of Delhi, can we in Mauritius really afford to feel any self- satisfaction on this score? Not while social workers, doctors, nurses, lawyers or teachers all have stories to relate on the way women are routinely ill- treated and exploited in our country.

The Indian PM promised that “ we will examine without delay not only responses to this terrible crime, but we will make all possible efforts to ensure safety and security of women in this country”. Change in mindset against prejudices and negative attitudes are easier said than done, but equality of treatment demands it.

Amid these chaotic scenes in Delhi that we watch every day, what strikes one as admirable and significant is the active role played in the protest movement by large numbers of young men, side by side with women – or are they just there for the fun of it? Nevertheless, this in itself is a real indication of progress and social change, and provides a strong contrast to the initial discreet silence from the sclerosed older politicians.

These modern young men, active in such overwhelming numbers, are surely a great encouragement for the future security of Indian women, but where are these same young men over here? “ Men Against Violence” is a good initiative, but it is only a first step, and we are still waiting for signs that it has seeped down to younger men, especially those at college and university, where social attitudes are inculcated and set.

As ever, the real solution lies in education. Where are we on the Sex- Education, Family Life, Human Values programme that we have been considering for so long? Meanwhile, how about all the newly- elected women at local government level getting together and trying to do something? For example, working with the relevant Ministries to reinforce and activate local programmes of information and help for citizens in difficulty, ensuring that a crisis officer is available ( in every dispensary and Citizens Advice Bureau, for example) to help with practical support and legal advice in the case of rape and domestic abuse.
When every woman, whether living in the town or country, knows the local number of a 24/ 7 hotline to contact in an emergency of this nature, then we can afford to talk.

Paula ATCHIA