'Only women can make laws to protect women': Raima Sen
What's the story
Actor Raima Sen, known for her work in Bengali and Hindi cinema, has spoken out about the issue of sexual harassment in the film industry. This comes in response to actor Ritabhari Chakraborty's recent statement highlighting the prevalence of such abuse in Bengali cinema. While Sen acknowledged the problem, she emphasized the need for stricter laws and greater female involvement in policy-making for women's safety.
Details
Sen calls for stricter laws, harsher punishments
"Strict laws for the protection of women is a priority right now," she told Hindustan Times. "The only way to stop rapes is to give harsher punishments even for 'lesser offences,'" Sen added. "I haven't faced it [issues concerning women's safety], so I can't comment on it. But, the conclusion to all this remains the same." "Sexual harassment happens everywhere. There's no point in pulling off another #MeToo," she said, highlighting the importance of more comprehensive and lasting solutions.
Policy-making
Sen emphasizes need for female lawmakers in policy-making
Sen underscored the importance of involving women in the process of formulating policies and laws pertaining to women's safety. "Only women can make laws in India that can protect women," she said. "As long as men make the laws for women, women aren't safe." She called for the involvement of "intelligent women lawmakers and intellectuals" in shaping laws that would be implemented by government and judicial systems.