Final Post: Catalyst for Change

Over the course of this semester my group and I covered the issue of sexual violence upon women in India, and how recent tragedies have brought forth a large movement for the rights of women throughout the country. We began by discussing different cases of sexual violence within India like the New Delhi case which had gained worldwide attention because it was so horrific. Then we drew on a variety of issues that ultimately lead to sexual violence towards women. These issues include a mentality in which women are seen as property instead of humans and how this mind set is caused by a culture that always places women inferior to men. However, more and more attention toward these cases against the rights of women have led to changes within India. Citizens unifying against sexual violence upon women have created movements that have pushed for laws that punish these offenders. Though actual enforcement is an issue, especially in rural areas, we can see that the citizen's of India are gradually making progress in the fight against sexual violence and for the rights of women altogether.

I think it is important to note that many of us in the group did not know much about the movement in India because this in turn helped us with our approach toward the topic. First, we outlined what an audience (us included) would need to know in order to understand the complexities of sexual violence and specifically in India. By asking our own questions about the topic, we were able to break down our material into the most important parts. Working in a group allowed us each to become responsible in thoroughly researching each section needed to be covered. We kept in contact with each other to be sure that we were all using different sources and were finding new information about the topic. Spreading out the work not only helped with time, but it also gave each of us different a perspective on the topic which in turn allowed us to analyze sexual violence in India from several viewpoints.

From this project, I learned how important it is to work together especially when dealing with a heavy topic like sexual violence. I remember that at first my group and I had been so excited to take on the issue in all parts of the world, but we then realized that it was broad and far too complex to deliver in one assignment. Working in a group also became difficult because of our conflicting schedules but luckily researching and communicating can easily be done online. Throughout the semester I have learned about sexual violence in India and how movements have became a large cause of social and political change for women. It also continues to remind me of the privileges I have here, and how I should not forget that the movement for complete women's rights is far from over.