Somy Ali Speaks About Sakinaka Rape-Murder Case, Says, ‘Not Mumbai, Not Miami’ Is Safe For Women
Somy Ali, actress-turned-activist has spoken about several issues faced by women in society over the period of time
Just a few days ago, a heart-shattering incident reminded us of Delhi’s Nirbhaya case. A 32-year-old woman was raped and murder in Saki Naka, Mumbai. Now reacting to this actress turned activist Somy Ali has stated none of the places are safe for women whether it is Mumbai or Miami. Though she agrees Mumbai has been progressed in terms of being liberal, women are still unsafe. She also feels the death penalty to the criminal in such rape cases won’t solve the issue.
Somy told ETimes, “There is no safe place for women in the world. Not Mumbai, not Miami, not anywhere when we have predators or people with clout who know very well that they can get away with rape or any heinous crime because they have the means to do so. Yes, Mumbai is modern and yes there has been liberal progression when it comes to attire, but that does not change the fact that women are not safe. The Sakinaka case makes it more than evident that women are not safe anywhere. We also know that the death penalty is not a deterrent to rape.”
Shedding out an example of a Bollywood actress, she mentions if celebs like Alia Bhatt and Tabu who are privileged to have security round the clock, can’t afford to walk alone at night on the streets of Mumbai, what about the average woman. She adds, “Do you think a stunning Tabu or a gorgeous Alia Bhatt can walk around the streets of Mumbai alone at night without security? These are celebrities with the privilege to have protection around them 24/7. Think about your average woman with no power and security guards who has to go home at night from work on foot, in a rickshaw or a bus and think about how unsafe and vulnerable they are to predators.”
Continuing further, she said, “Think about the women in the rural areas who have to work and walk home from let’s say working on a farm.” ALSO READ: Somy Ali Recalls Her Bad Experience In Bollywood; Says 'A Couple Of Directors Tried To Have S*x With Me'
Expressing her anger over Sakinaka rape-murder she says, “Our anger and disillusionment are extremely justified. In fact, there should be more outrage when we know we have this problem. Why aren’t we focusing on a solution? Again, victim-blaming, people with power justifying what took place in the Sakinaka case is not helping women being safe in Mumbai or anywhere.”
Somy also states the wrongdoers are aware that they can easily get away despite their heinous crime and continue to do so. She adds issue is not just prevalent in South Asia but is a worldwide issue. She adds, “This is not just a South Asian issue, it is a universal issue. About 60 per cent of the domestic violence victims rescued by my organisation No More Tears have stated that they were forced to have sex without consent and in many instances were sodomized, too.” ALSO READ: Somy Ali: “I Never Had Any Interest In Acting And I Still Don’t'
Speaking about the societal injustice, she mentions being married or having a boyfriend, doesn’t give the man in the relationship right to forcefully have a physical relationship with the woman. Somy said, “Being married to someone does not give one the right to rape their partner. Similarly, neither does a boyfriend have a right to rape his girlfriend. Nothing will change because the structure and foundation of our society is built on being able to get away with bribery, which becomes second nature and then there are crimes against humanity in third world countries.”
According to Somy protesting against such issues won’t reduce crime against women, she said, “Corruption and crimes can only be stopped by bringing forth concrete changes and eliminating corrupt members of law enforcement and governments. Once again, the death penalty is not a deterrent when it comes to rape. We can protest all we want, which is excellent because we are giving a voice to the voiceless, but we need something much stronger than placards.” ALSO READ: Somy Ali's SHOCKING REVELATION, 'I Was Sexually Abused At The Age Of 5, 9, Raped When I Was 14'
Somy, who has been vocal about women’s rights, has also made a couple of short films educating the audience regarding abortion, teenage suicide and domestic violence.
Image Source: Instagram/realsomyali
