The Kolkata rape case has sparked outrage among celebrities, including Celina Jaitly, a former actress and UN human rights activist.
She shared her experiences of being catcalled and physically threatened by men, and how she was taught that women are at fault.
In a childhood photo, she shared that she was warned to be careful because she was “progressive” in her approach and that “women are at fault.”
In 11th grade, she remembers someone cutting the wire of her scooty’s brakes because she did not acknowledge the university boys who bullied her and called her rude names.
Her male classmates got concerned for her and informed their teachers. Celina’s class teacher then called her and said, “You come across as a forward type of girl.” This was because she was riding a scooter, wearing jeans to extra classes, and had short, open hair. The teacher added, “This is why boys think you are loose,” and insinuated that it was always her fault.
The actress also mentioned that her grandfather, a retired Colonel, faced repercussions for this incident. He had to escort her back and forth to school and faced derogatory remarks and damage to her scooty by the boys who chased her. Her grandfather walked away with her, disgruntled at the people he had dedicated his life to.
On August 9, a spine-chilling incident occurred in which a young medical trainee was raped and murdered within the premises of RG Kar Medical College, causing a nation-wide uproar. Many people have come in support of the victim and her family, demanding justice from the government and stringent punishments.
The latest update is that doctors have announced a 24-hour strike and placed key demands concerning women’s safety at the workplace and for women working night shifts.
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