1 Eve Teasing Defined Simply eve teasing is

1

Eve Teasing Defined • Simply, eve teasing is that act by ‘Adam’ excites and sexually harasses ‘Eve’. According to the description of Old Testament, ‘eve’ is Adam’s wife and the first woman & mother of the human race. So, teasing a woman/ female is called 'eve teasing'. • Broadly speaking, eve teasing is a euphemism for sexual harassment or molestation of women in public places. It is an appalling act that imparts humiliation, panic, repulsion and helplessness in the

What is eve-teasing? ØSexual harassment. ØStreet harassment. ØMolestation of women by men. ØAggressive behavior by men. 3

STATISTICS

Statistics v In the past two years, at least 12 girls have committed suicide in circumstances stemming from “eve teasing”. v Between 2002 and 2009, there were over five thousand rape reported incidents. v Almost two thousand of those rapes were of girl children. v 625 of the victims were killed after they were raped and 69 killed themselves. 5

How to make the social awareness !! v A massive sustained campaign by women’s organizations highlighting this evil must be initiated. v Students in colleges must specifically be counseled. v Debates on this issue must be organized in colleges, TV shows, etc. , with responsible moderators — who would listen and reason an argument instead of sounding outright biased. v Cinema is a powerful medium to showcase this issue. 6

Role of Parents in Stopping Eve Teasing Ø Parents should make girl child comfortable enough that she can share anything with them. Ø If a girl has been harassed or been subject to molestation, the first place she would expect to be understood is her parents. Ø Parents should pay close attention to their teenage son, his activities and his friend circle. 7

For the girls………… Avoid seductive dresses…. . !! 8

effects of eve-teasing Ø Leave deep psychological scars. Ø Mentally weak. Ø Disappointed. Ø Don’t get any family support. Ø Suicide attempt. Ø Ultimately they occur suicide. 9

INITIATIVE BY POLICE

Remedies of Eve Teasing 1. Social agents like family, peer groups, educational institutions and mass media must be amended; 2. Religious and moral education should be ensured; 3. Those who are frustrated/ drug addicted should be corrected under probation centre/ adolescent correction centre; 4. Proper socialization should be ensured; 5. Structural problems as mentioned before should be eliminated; 6. Dilemma of social system should be removed but a unique one be continued; and 7. Men should treat the eves as their own mother or sisters.

LEGAL PROVISIONS • S 294 IPC…against obscene act or song in public(3 months) • S 354 IPC…assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty(2 yrs) • S 509 IPC…word, gesture or act intending to insult the modesty of a woman(1 yr)

Challenges � Cultural mindset about women � “Superiority” of men versus “inferiority” of women (both within private spaces like the family, and public spaces like the workplace) � “Public” domestic violence (“honour” killings, community courts) � Myth of male marginalisation used to support withdrawal of progressive legislation (like reservations)

�For the boys…. . just remember…. 15