The stories are real and culled from the cases that were brought before the National Commission for Women (NCW), an apex body created by Parliament, of which Syeda was a member from 1996-2000.
Syeda and her colleagues investigated the cases, wrote reports, forwarded them to the relevant authorities and waited for justice to be done. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, despite the press coverage, demonstrations, outrage from well-meaning people, not much happened. The long arm of the government all too often fell woefully short.
Syeda’s stories raise questions that most well-thinking people in and outside India ask: what will it take to change this? Change agents in India believe that policies and law can change things. But, the pace of change is slow.
Underlying the stories are deepest fears of humans and the desperate need to protect and preserve honour—of family, caste, gotra, village, and men. For this, the hearts, minds and bodies of women are sacrificed.
In an India that is ready to become the next great world power, Syeda’s portrait gallery can frighten away the staunchest of believers. It’s enough to want us to hang our heads in shame, but be determined that all this will change, one day.
