So what is so distinct about the women here? Why do I perceive such a marked difference? Well, having always assigned great cultural awareness and education to women who have studied classical Indian dance (completely out of blind awe, I might add), the fact that Chennai is brimming with classically trained dancers probably contributes to my impression. While I certainly believe this stereotype to be true, I have learned that the women in this region have an ancient relationship with Indian arts, culture and education. I recently read about a kingdom I knew very little about called Vijayanagar in Karnataka. Women in this kingdom were involved with commerce, government, and the arts. This was around the 15th century. Cultural epicenters were built within the kingdom where women practiced art and dance, wrote and performed plays, and penned some of India’s cherished poetry. The women here seem to be aware of their pedigree, and seek to uphold the standards of their lineage.

Understanding their contributions and overwhelming value, it is easy for me to think of their lives idyllically. Wrong. Statistics on crimes against women, particularly violent crimes, in India are appalling. According to the National Crime Records Bureau of India, of the ten fastest rising crimes in India, seven of them were crimes against women. Dowry deaths up 15%, kidnapping and abduction up 13%, human trafficking of women (mostly young girls) up 12%, sexual harassment up 11%, rape and molestation up 7%…remember that these are only the reported cases. While the rates in South India may be different from the whole of India, any rate is abhorrent. To make the argument that crimes in Chennai aren’t as bad as other cities in India, or that crimes in India aren’t as bad as other countries is crass and an exercise in ignorance.

It is difficult for me to comprehend the struggles these women face personally when, on the surface, they represent something so completely different to me. What is the solution? I have no idea. More stringent penalties and a rigid period of time between reporting and investigation might be a start. Indian Law is weak when it comes to both of these deterrents. Education seems to be a root answer when it comes to most social ills. Programs that focus on economic independence for women? Whatever the solutions, it is clear that more needs to be done for the plight of women here. In the States, I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a fervent participant in the struggle for women’s rights. I believe in equality across the board, but I’m certainly not out there protesting anything. Seeing the state of equal rights and how little press it gets here is what has moved me to write something about it.

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