Shashi Tharoor Calls for Fundamental Change in Attitude Towards Gender Violence

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th August. In a recent interview with NDTV, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the urgent need for a shift in the “overall attitude in Indian society” to address the persistent issue of violent crime against women. Tharoor’s remarks, which underscore a deep-seated problem with gender violence, come amid a wave of sexual assault allegations against senior figures in Kerala’s film industry, Mollywood.

Criticism of Society and Government Action

Tharoor expressed frustration with the ongoing problem, stating, “There must be something wrong with Indian men if we can’t address this problem.” He pointed to the continuous stream of assault cases reported daily and lamented that despite high-profile incidents like the Nirbhaya case in 2012 and the recent RG Kar Hospital rape and murder, there has been insufficient progress.

Recalling a conversation with the late former Delhi Chief Minister, Tharoor advocated for gender sensitivity training for schoolboys as a long-term solution. He criticized the cyclic nature of outrage over such incidents followed by a lack of sustained action.

Support for Kerala’s #MeToo Movement

Tharoor praised Kerala for being at the forefront of exposing sexual misconduct in the film industry, expressing pride that his home state is leading the charge against systemic abuse. However, he condemned the ruling CPI(M) for delaying the release of the Justice Hema Committee report on these issues for five years.

Resignations and Accountability in Mollywood

Recent resignations in the Malayalam film industry, including that of veteran actor Mohanlal from the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA), have been seen as a response to the scandal. Tharoor acknowledged these actions but stressed that they are insufficient. He highlighted that those resigning were part of a system that enabled the abuse.

Addressing Workplace Safety for Women

Tharoor also spoke about the need for better facilities and safer environments for women in workplaces, including film sets and hospitals. He stressed that women must have access to basic amenities and a safe space free from harassment.

Call for Independent Oversight

To prevent future abuses, Tharoor advocated for the establishment of an independent tribunal with external members to handle complaints of sexual harassment. He noted that relying solely on internal committees within industries is inadequate if they are complicit in the problems.

Conclusion

Tharoor’s statements reflect a call for deep-rooted changes in societal attitudes towards gender violence and systemic reforms to ensure justice and safety for women in all spheres of life.