It’s time to look at the deep-rooted issues surrounding rape culture in India, from the persistence of patriarchy and media complicity to the legal challenges that silence women and protect the guilty. Vinta Nanda writes…

Photography: Vinta Nanda 

Cover Girl: Tara Kaushal, Author of the book Why Men Rape

Rape culture in India remains a pervasive and deeply troubling issue, one that festers in the shadows of societal norms, political expediency, and systemic failures. Despite movements like #MeToo and outcries following high-profile cases like the Nirbhaya gang rape in 2012, the reality for many women in India remains unchanged. The root causes of rape culture are complex, involving deep-seated patriarchy, inadequate education, and a media landscape often more concerned with political narratives than with meaningful discourse on gender issues. This article examines the intersection of patriarchy, legal challenges, and media influence, urging a societal shift to break the silence and achieve true gender equality. 

The Entrenched Patriarchy and Its Impact

At the heart of rape culture in India is a deeply entrenched patriarchal mindset that views women as subordinate to men. This structure is reinforced from an early age, with traditional gender roles normalized. Boys are raised with a sense of entitlement over women, while girls are taught to be submissive. This conditioning perpetuates the objectification of women and justifies gender-based violence as a means of control.

Moreover, resistance to sex education in schools exacerbates the problem. In many parts of India, discussing sex and sexuality is taboo, and opposition to sex education one of the root causes of the rape culture. Young people are denied the opportunity to learn about consent, healthy relationships, and respect for bodily autonomy at a critical age, leading to confusion and harmful behaviours.  

The Role of Media: Complicity and Selective Outrage

The Indian media, which should serve as a platform for highlighting societal issues, is complicit in perpetuating rape culture. Media outlets, heavily dependent on advertising revenue from entities aligned with the establishment, are selective in their coverage of sexual violence. Cases that align with the government’s narrative are amplified, while others are downplayed or ignored.

This selective outrage creates a skewed public perception of sexual violence, where some cases are sensationalized to serve political ends, and others are swept under the rug. This politicization of gender discourse undermines efforts to address the root causes of rape culture, shifting the focus away from victims and systemic issues.

The Unused Budgets and Systemic Failures

Following the Nirbhaya case, the Indian government allocated budgets to enhance women’s safety in workplaces and public spaces. However, 30% of these funds remain unused, speaking loudly of the disconnect between promises made by policymakers and the reality on the ground. The underutilization of resources raises serious questions about the commitment of both central and state governments.

  

The Suppression of the Hema Committee Report

The Hema Committee report, released in 2019, details the systemic abuse and harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. However, the report was initially suppressed, with its findings buried until pressure from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) in Kerala forced its release. This suppression stresses the pervasive silence surrounding sexual harassment in India, where powerful groups block action against those implicated.

The #MeToo Movement: A Silenced Revolution

When the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India in 2018, it seemed like a watershed moment for gender equality. However, instead of leading to widespread change, the movement was met with backlash, further entrenching the culture of silence. Most women who spoke out were ostracized, their careers jeopardized, while the men they accused have largely been rehabilitated, often even seen, ironically, on prime time debates of news networks, discussing gender issues.

#SHOUT: A Film Silenced by Fear and Censorship

#SHOUT, directed by me, is a documentary tracing the evolution of feminism in India over the past 50 years. Featuring testimonies from those who spoke their truth during the movement, Simran Kaur Suri, Mandana Karimi, Saloni Chopra, legal minds, Vrinda Grover and Retd. Justice Sujata Manohar, journalists, Namita Bhandare, Sandhya Menon and Nirupama Dutt, feminists, Urvashi Butalia, Ravina Raj Kohli, Sharada Ramanathan and Father Vattoli, and courageous women, Bhanwari Devi and Sabita Lahkar, the film highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in a patriarchal society. Tara Kaushal, author of Why Men Rape, offers critical insights into the mindset of men who commit sexual violence, urging for the book to be included in the curriculum for students over the age of 14.

Critics have lauded #SHOUT for its unflinching portrayal of harsh realities, yet it has faced challenges. Meenakshi Shedde, writing in Midday, praised the film as "a deeply moving and necessary document that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our society." Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri in The Telegraph described it as "a powerful, unvarnished account of the challenges faced by women in India, both past and present." Shoma Chatterjee noted that "the film is a poignant reminder of the resilience of women who refuse to be silenced," while Freny Manecksha remarked that "the film's strength lies in its refusal to compromise, presenting the stark realities of gender-based violence with brutal honesty."  

When submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in early 2023, the board demanded extensive edits that would have stripped the film of its core message, effectively silencing it. Although Indian law permits private screenings, the producers, a recognised studio in the film industry, have refrained from even these limited showings, and opportunities to release it internationally and at film festivals across the world, fearing backlash on their business.  

Patriarchy's Legal Shield: The Dilemmas Women Face

Patriarchy often finds cover under the complex legal dilemmas women face after speaking out, particularly in the workplace. Many cases rest on a "he said, she said" narrative, making it nearly impossible for women to achieve justice. For those who speak out, the ordeal often brings greater shame and scrutiny than remaining silent.

The Way Forward: Breaking the Silence

The persistence of rape culture in India requires a multifaceted solution. There needs to be a concerted effort to dismantle patriarchal structures, implement comprehensive sex education, and ensure media responsibility. Governments must fully utilize allocated budgets for women’s safety and act upon reports like the Hema Committee. Society must confront the truth that silence is complicit in perpetuating rape culture.

Breaking the silence is the first step towards dismantling rape culture in India. Only then can we hope to create a society where women are truly safe and equal.