A Recent survey produced by the recently-launched Trust Law website — a product of the Thomson Reuters Foundation — has named India as the fourth most dangerous country in the world that are considered ‘most dangerous places’ for women. The report also said that India is a rapidly developing country; it still places great cultural burdens on women.

Despite the growing GDP and modernity, India still has a spiralling rate of honour killings, dowry deaths, acid attacks, and trafficking. Besides, why do these crimes go unpunished, including the horrific crime of female infanticide?

In a society where economics and hunger drive most decisions, the girl child becomes a dispensable commodity. In the long run, it is still believed, she will give the family little financial gain – not only will she go away and live with another family after her marriage, an often ill-affordable dowry will have to be gathered for her.

The breakdown of law and order from increasing corruption can only mean things will become even more difficult for women in India. The reality is that they are beginning to raise their voices. The tragedy is that no one is listening.

ANZA KANWAL Rawalpindi