Just when we thought that women are finally breaking free from the reins of patriarchy, the consecutive rapes in Hathras and Balarampur, tore apart this thin veil of illusion. They compelled us to take a hard look at the intensely archaic system that continues to thrive in our nation’s supremacist environment.

However, protests have erupted in different parts of the country against rapes and crimes against women, many of which are led by women. This in many ways reassures that the future, some incredible female social reformers had envisioned for Indian women, can be attained.