Femicide in India: How big is the monster?......by Dr. Amandeep Aggarwal

Chandigarh: Femicide, which refers to the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender, is a serious problem in India. While there are no official statistics on femicide in India, various studies and reports suggest that the problem is significant and widespread.According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 21,796 reported cases of dowry deaths in India in 2019. 

Dowry deaths, which refer to cases where women are killed by their husbands or their families for not providing a sufficient dowry, are a form of femicide.

In addition to dowry deaths, there are also several other forms of violence against women in India that can result in femicide, including honor killings, domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking.

The problem of femicide in India is also compounded by the issue of female infanticide and foeticide, which involves the killing of girls before or after birth due to a preference for male children.

Overall, while it is difficult to estimate the exact number of femicide cases in India, there is no doubt that the problem is significant and requires urgent attention and action from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and individuals. Efforts are needed to address the underlying causes of femicide and to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

How safe are girls in India?

The safety of girls in India is a complex and multifaceted issue. While there are several positive developments in terms of women's empowerment and gender equality in India, women and girls in India still face significant challenges in terms of safety and security.

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India, including rape, sexual assault, and harassment. 

These incidents have highlighted the need for stronger legal protections and more effective law enforcement mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of women and girls.

There are also several other factors that contribute to the safety concerns for girls in India. These include factors such as poverty, lack of access to education, and discrimination based on gender, caste, and religion.

However, it is important to note that India is a vast and diverse country, and experiences of safety can vary significantly depending on the region, socio-economic background, and other factors. 

While safety concerns do exist, it is also important to recognize the efforts being made by various stakeholders to address these issues and ensure a safer environment for girls in India. 

These include government initiatives such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, as well as efforts by civil society organizations and individuals to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

Has PNDT act been effective in curbing femicide in India ?

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was enacted in India in 1994 to curb the practice of female foeticide, which is the intentional abortion of a female fetus due to its gender. The Act was amended in 2003 to make it more stringent and to include new provisions.

The PCPNDT Act has been effective in curbing female foeticide to some extent in India. Since its implementation, there has been an increase in the number of cases registered under the Act and the number of convictions of offenders. The Act has also led to the closure of several ultrasound clinics that were found to be violating the provisions of the Act.

However, despite the implementation of the PCPNDT Act, the practice of female foeticide still continues in some parts of India. Many families still prefer to have male children over female children due to societal and cultural norms, and sex determination tests are often conducted illegally.

The effectiveness of the PCPNDT Act also varies across different states in India. Some states have been more successful in implementing the Act and curbing female foeticide, while others have struggled to enforce it effectively.

In conclusion, while the PCPNDT Act has been effective in curbing female foeticide to some extent in India, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem, including changing societal attitudes towards women and providing equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life. 

The strict enforcement of the Act and continuous monitoring and evaluation of its effectiveness are also necessary to achieve better results.

How do we put a curb to female foeticide?

Female foeticide is a serious problem that can be addressed through a multi-pronged approach that involves awareness, education, and legal interventions. Here are a few steps that can be taken to put a curb on female foeticide:

1. Create awareness: Educating people about the value of women in society and the harmful consequences of female foeticide is critical. This can be done through various mediums such as public service announcements, advertisements, social media, and educational campaigns.

2. Implement and enforce laws: Laws such as the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which prohibits the use of sex-determination tests, need to be strictly enforced. Stringent punishment should be given to violators to act as a deterrent.

3. Empower women: Women should be empowered and given equal opportunities in all spheres of life. Providing education, vocational training, and economic support can help to change societal attitudes towards women.

4. Encourage positive behavior: Encourage positive behavior by recognizing and rewarding families who raise their daughters well, and who do not engage in female foeticide.

5. Improve access to healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is essential to reducing female foeticide. Providing affordable and accessible healthcare facilities can help to change people's attitudes towards the value of women.

6. Involve community leaders: Community leaders such as religious heads, political leaders, and social activists should be involved in efforts to combat female foeticide. Their influence can be critical in changing attitudes and behaviors.

7. Monitor and evaluate progress: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of interventions are critical to assess their effectiveness and to make necessary adjustments.

Overall, addressing female foeticide requires a concerted effort from all sections of society, including the government, civil society organizations, and individuals. Only by working together can we hope to put an end to this harmful practice.

January 16, 2024