Srinagar, Aug. 30 -- We celebrate different days throughout the year to remind ourselves of important values and responsibilities. International Women's Day is observed on 8 March, while Equality Day is observed on 26 August. On these occasions, we organise programmes, deliver speeches, hold discussions and speak about women's rights, equality, dignity and empowerment. We talk about creating opportunities for women and encouraging them to participate in education, employment and public life. But before celebrating these ideas, there is a question that we must honestly ask ourselves: are women really safe?

Safety is the foundation of freedom. A woman cannot fully enjoy her rights if she is constantly afraid of what might happen to her. We...