An Exclusive Interview with SheLit – Kaira , Journalism Student, St. Xavier’s, Mumbai.
Women’s safety in India has long been a pressing concern, with cities differing in how they handle it. SheLit recently spoke with Kaira Pahuja, a journalism student from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, who shared her personal experiences and observations on this critical issue.
“Social Media is a Platform to React, Not to Act”
Kaira begins with a striking statement:
“We see people posting about women’s safety on social media, but how many of them actually act when they witness something wrong? Putting up stories or hashtags won’t protect a woman on the street. It’s time we move beyond performative activism and take real action.”
Delhi vs. Mumbai: A Tale of Two Cities
As someone who grew up in Delhi but now studies in Mumbai, Kaira feels a stark difference in safety.
“In Mumbai, I feel a sense of security that I never felt in Delhi. There are several reasons for this: geography, law enforcement, and societal mindset. Delhi is surrounded by states with deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, while Mumbai has a more matriarchal cultural history. The work culture in Mumbai keeps people engaged in their own lives, leaving little room for harassment. The police presence is also more visible, and people here take women’s safety seriously—not as a show but as a responsibility.”
She recalls an incident in Delhi’s metro where a man tried to take her picture. When she confronted him, a crowd gathered and reported him to the authorities. However, instead of ensuring strict action, the authorities dismissed it.
“They said, ‘Let it go. We can’t punish him beyond a day’s prison, and he might come after you later.’ Even my father told me to just come home safely. That’s the fear ingrained in every Indian household. Instead of tackling the problem, we are told to ignore it.”
Victim Blaming: A Society’s Default Response
One of the biggest frustrations for women facing harassment is the tendency to blame the victim.
“Why is the first question always about what the woman was wearing or whether she was drinking? Shouldn’t the question be directed at the perpetrator? Even when we make it clear that we are uncomfortable, some men refuse to stop. And when we finally push back, they blame us for ‘giving mixed signals.’ This mindset is the real problem.”
A Deep-Rooted Fear
Kaira highlights the constant fear that women live with, affecting their mental health.
“From inappropriate touches to catcalling, we endure these things daily. On social media, we face trolling. Over time, this builds a deep sense of insecurity. Why do men think they have the right to invade a woman’s personal space with unwanted conversations or advances? And why does a woman only get respect when another man is present? Does our dignity depend on male validation?”
She also talks about how this fear extends beyond herself:
“After the Bengal RG Kar hospital case, I wasn’t just scared for myself—I was scared for my younger sisters, my mother, and even elderly women. If a 75-year-old woman is not safe, what does that say about our society?”
Judiciary, Politics, and Society’s Role
According to Kaira, the slow judicial process and lack of political will are major obstacles in ensuring women’s safety.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The system is slow, and politicians rarely prioritize these issues unless it serves their agenda. Meanwhile, our society remains polarized—fighting over religion, caste, and political ideologies—while women continue to suffer.”
The Road Ahead: Responsibility Over Sympathy
Kaira’s final message is clear:
“As women, we don’t need your sympathy or concern. We need respect. We don’t want special protection—we want an environment where safety is the norm, not a privilege. If you see something wrong, don’t ignore it. If you stay silent, you are part of the problem. Women’s safety is not just a women’s issue; it is a reflection of society as a whole.”
Kaira
Instagram : @kaira.pahujaarora