The portrayal of women in Indian literature has evolved significantly from ancient texts like the Rigveda and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana to modern Indian literature.

Ancient Texts (Rigveda, Mahabharata, Ramayana)

1. Role and Status:

• Rigveda:Women were respected and had important roles in religious rituals. Figures like Gargi and Maitreyi were notable scholars.
• Mahabharata and Ramayana:Women held significant positions and were central to the narratives. Draupadi, Sita, and other female characters displayed strength and virtue but were also depicted within the confines of patriarchal norms.

2. Characteristics:

• Idealization: Women were often idealized as devoted wives and mothers.
• Limited Agency:Their actions and fates were frequently dictated by male characters and societal expectations.

Modern Indian Literature

1. Role and Status:

• Diverse Representation:Women are portrayed in a variety of roles, including professionals, activists, and independent individuals.
• Questioning Norms:Modern literature often questions and challenges traditional gender roles and societal norms.

2. Characteristics:

• Complex Characters:Women are depicted with more complexity, reflecting their struggles, aspirations, and individuality.
• Greater Agency:Female characters often have more autonomy and are portrayed as making their own choices, reflecting real societal changes.

Evolution Over Time-

1. Shift in Themes:

• From Idealization to Realism: The shift from idealized depictions to realistic portrayals of women’s lives and struggles.
• From Stereotypes to Individuality: Moving away from stereotypes, modern literature embraces diverse identities and experiences.

2. Impact of Social Changes:

• Education and Empowerment: Increased access to education and economic independence for women has influenced their literary representation.
• Feminist Movements: The influence of feminist thought has led to more assertive and empowered female characters in literature.

Examples:

1.Classical:

• Sita (Ramayana):Epitome of virtue and devotion but largely defined by her relationships with male characters.
• Draupadi (Mahabharata):Strong and outspoken but ultimately subject to the fate decided by men around her.

2. Modern:

• Bimala (Rabindranath Tagore’s “The Home and the World”): Navigates personal and political awakenings.
• Lila (Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things”): Represents complex struggles with societal norms and personal identity.

Some of the key factors that ensure women’s safety at night:

1. Adequate Lighting:

• Motion-Sensor Lights: Installing these in less trafficked areas can help conserve energy while enhancing security.

2. Increased Police Presence:

• Foot Patrols: Officers on foot are more approachable and can engage with the community better.
• Mobile Units: Deploying mobile police units in hotspots can provide rapid response to incidents.

3.Safe Public Transportation:

• CCTV Surveillance: Cameras on buses, trains, and at stations can deter criminal activity.
• Female-Only Options: Providing women-only carriages or buses during late hours can enhance safety.

4. Community Vigilance:

• Neighborhood Watch Programs: Encourage communities to watch out for each other and report suspicious activities.
• Community Centers: Establishing safe spaces where women can seek help or wait for transportation.

5. Emergency Services Access:

• Blue Light Emergency Phones: Strategically placed in high-risk areas, these phones connect directly to emergency services.
• Mobile Apps: Apps like “SafeTrek” allow users to notify police by holding a button and releasing it in case of an emergency.

6. Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Media Campaigns: Use social media and other platforms to spread safety tips and raise awareness.

7. Technology Solutions:

• GPS Tracking Devices: Small, discreet devices that women can carry to track their location.
• Safety Apps: Apps like “Circle of 6” let users quickly inform friends of their location and call for help.

8. Urban Planning:

• Designing Out Crime: Urban design strategies like “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) focus on reducing crime opportunities.

9.Self-Defense Training:

• Community Classes: Offer free or subsidized self-defense classes to women in the community

10. Support Services:

• 24/7 Hotlines: Ensure there are hotlines available around the clock for immediate help.
• Shelters and Safe Houses: Provide safe places where women can go if they feel threatened.

11. Policy and Legislation:

• Stronger Laws: Enforce strict penalties for crimes against women to act as a deterrent.
• Protective Orders: Make it easier for women to obtain restraining orders against potential aggressors.

12. Education and Training:

• Awareness in Schools: Incorporate safety and consent education in school curriculums.
• Professional Training: Train police and emergency responders on how to handle cases involving women’s safety sensitively and effectively.

13. Community Programs:

• Mentorship and Support Groups: Create groups where women can share experiences and strategies for staying safe.
• Escort Services: Programs that offer volunteer escorts for women walking home late at night.

By addressing these aspects comprehensively, societies can make significant strides in ensuring the safety of women at night.