Rape Victims in Kerala

Abstract

Gender discrimination is a universal phenomenon. Discrimination against women is more predominant in Asian countries. The Report on Human Development in South Asia (2001) underlines the inherent sex discrimination that exists in Asian society.  Gender-biased customs, beliefs, superstitions, behavioural training, and mythology are used as tools to subjugate women and maintain them in oppression. Though all human beings are born with equal physical and mental capability and potential, men, who are in power and authority, which is the hallmark of patriarchy, suppress women. Ironically, women are yet to understand the core issues related to gender discrimination and consolidate their resistance in this matter, mainly due to the internalisation and reinforcement of certain values of an ideal wife, ideal mother, and ideal daughter imposed by social customs and supported by religious teachings.