Smriti Irani Says Women, Irrespective Of Their Religion, Are Being Denied Dignity On Social Media
In India, we have a tendency and reputation for making anything and everything political. Why? Why don’t we understand that certain issues – especially women-related issues – are above and beyond politics? I mean, after the whole Sulli Deals and Bulli Bai cases one thing is clear that women’s issues are rising – especially on social media. Women aren’t safe in the real or reel world. In fact, Smriti Irani, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, who is actively involved in the security of women on social media platforms, believes that women are denied dignity on social media, irrespective of their religion.
On Monday, Smriti Irani, who is working closely with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications regarding the safety of women on social media, said that women – irrespective of their religion – are denied dignity and people need to cross the party lines and come together to address issues regarding security of women.
When speaking to Indian Express, Smriti Irani, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development of India, said, “Women, irrespective of their religion, have been denied their dignity on social media platforms. I am grateful that the police are investigating this issue. I am absolutely confident that those who are guilty will be punished. My desire is also this… I had the privilege of engaging with the Supreme Court Justices… to ensure that we expedite cases. The law provides for an expeditious pronouncement. But there has been laxity given the burden on the courts of our country. But I am hopeful that between the police system and the judiciary, more and more cases where women receive justice are brought to light. I want to use this platform to say that this is an issue on which, irrespective of our politics, we need to come together.”
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Smriti Irani even spoke about how the conversations that took place around the impact of pornography on youth need to be revisited. In fact, she even pointed out a tweet that was made on January 6th by Siddharth, a film actor who made derogatory remarks against Sania Nehwal. Talking about the incident, the minister said that a world champion was demeaned by a man for her political position. She believes that such issues need to be looked at holistically.
In fact, talking about her own experience, the actor turned minister said that she has been on the political receiving end of it and the targeting of women via apps absolutely enrages her. Smriti Irani said, “I had the opportunity of pronouncing that the Ministry of Home Affairs, and I am grateful to the Home Minister who ensured that those who are adjudged criminals in cases of sexual assault of children are brought together as a part of one component where there is a tracking system for such criminals. I believe that the Home Ministry has (a record of) seven lakh such individuals who have been accused of sexual assault and such crimes.”
Also Read: Smriti Irani Said The Nirbhaya Case Was The First Time Indian Men Spoke Up For Women’s Safety. Isn’t It Worrying That Our Men Are That Oblivious?
The Union Minister of Women and Child Development of India also opened up about the introduction of the bill to raise the marriage age to 21 for women. She said that when she proposed the idea, she got support from women all over India, irrespective of communities and religions. Smriti Irani said that the only ones against it were men, but she was happy that everyone in her political party was supportive of it and understood the need for women’s rights across all religions.
I have to say that I agree with the minister. We need to look at women’s issues without any political agenda or religious agenda. These issues are beyond that and it’s high time we recognize it. Because most women – irrespective of their community and religion – are suffering.
