How much is too much?

The front page of The Daily Star on Tuesday shattered my heart! For how much longer must we endure the curse of rape? When will it end, or will it ever? It’s a matter of shame that the topic of rape and sexual abuse has become a staple in our daily news. According to Ain O Salish Kendra, at least 1,413 women were either raped or gang-raped in 2019, and this number is alarming, to say the least.

As a woman, I am constantly in fear of my life every time I step out of my home. I just don’t feel safe anymore. Whether I am going to my university or for work or grocery, travelling alone is no longer an option it seems.

Who will we reach out to so that safety for women is ensured? Even when the perpetrators are caught, it is difficult for victims to get justice. It’s a shame that we failed, as a society, to fight the recurrence of this disgusting act!

Nishita Sanaul, Dhaka