I feel Chennai is still growing up in terms of reporting and speaking out – It could have much to do with the conservative ways as a city, or just that people are opening up to speak out only belatedly. I think the gaps lie in the understanding that these things must be spoken about and offenses like these should be reported – whether it is by that lewd uncle at home or the wolf whistling man on board a bus.   I will definitely say that we must be united and rise up against patriarchy in every way and fight the structural violence in their everyday.

First, report every instance, no matter what. Did you know that as a private citizen, you are allowed to make an arrest for a non-bailable (an offence that a person cannot be released on bail for, as a matter of right) and cognizable offence (an offence that a police officer can make an arrest for without a warrant) that happens in front of you? USE IT!

Second, educate people around you. Schools must have their children sensitized and educated, and taught gender equality. There are many organizations that do this – there’s my own (The Red Elephant Foundation) and Schools of Equality, that go from school to school to teach children, parents and teachers alike. We need to ensure that we shift the mindsets that prop these ideas up.