A Snatched Pride

All through the passage of time, women have always been viewed as the weaker vessel. Gender-based violence including rape and other sexual assualts have assumed a critical dimension on us as women globally. So perculiar is this culture of sexual violence against women that it is gradually woven into the very fabrics of our existence. Spreading like a wild fire into all spheres of life like, the home, school, workplace, hospital, and so unfortunately it doesn't exclude the church- the very place to which we run to seek refuge. 

The progress of a country can be drastically hindered by this endemic case backed by the religious and cultural sentiments of male dominance and supremacy. How sad it is that woman grows to live with the high possibility of rape, being reminded at every point in time that as a woman any man who is physically strong enough can decide to demonstrate his authority by way of sexual violence.

In the church she is taught to bow her head, at home she is meant to submit irrespective of the circumstance, at work she is expected to pay homage answering "Yes Sir" no matter the condition, I won't even want to dive into public gatherings. The view of women as mere tools to men increases the acuity that she should be treated any how, thereby making her weak and unable to speak up and out in times of danger, fear, pains and loss. This in turn accelerates the tolerance she bears for sexual abuse by men who weild power over them. 

In essence, what separates sex or a gesture of affection from sexual assualt is the matter of consent. But over the years, rape which was noted to be caused by uncontrollable sexual urges is now considered an abnormal assertion of power over a victim, most often than none, a woman excused as a manifestation of racial, dress, behavioural and even environmental influence. While all this excuses amount to nothing as we see rape cases occur in broad day light, to people of the Same race, dressed in the most decent of manners, not having any link with the rapist and even in the church of all places, so judging from all this, there is really nothing we can say. Most people even claim that the male genders are also assaulted as well, yes no doubt but that should not mean de-emphasizing the effect of violence against women. 

Whatever the origin, excuse or defense may be, rape is a serious case and should be treated as felony. As a matter of fact, male rape gains more credence when we look into female rape cases and the physical and mental damage it inflicts on women of all ages.

This dreadful act tends to leave it's victim in serious long-term psychological trauma, influencing their attitudes and believe towards the male gender.

It could be your mother

It could be your sister

It could be your wife

It could be your female friend

#SayNoToRape

#SayNoToFemaleSexualAbuse

#SayNoToAssaults

Live and Act Responsibly!