It was never about the dress

It Was Never About the Dress

In a world that prides itself on evolution, technology, and progress, there still exists a raw, chilling truth that echoes across continents — women are not safe. Not in the comfort of their homes. Not in bustling cities. Not in quiet villages. Not even in their mother’s arms as newborns.

Yes, even a one-day-old girl child has been a victim.

So has a woman at 95.

And between these years lie stories soaked in pain, silence, and shame that was never theirs to carry.

This is not just an article — it’s a cry. A scream that refuses to be hushed anymore.

⸻

The Shadows Begin Early

When a girl child is raped, something inside her dies. It’s not just her innocence — it’s her trust, her sense of safety, and the very core of her self-worth. As she grows, she carries that scar with her. It shapes how she sees the world, how she sees love, how she sees herself. Her laughter becomes quieter, her confidence — broken. She learns not to walk, but to hide. Not to live, but to survive.

And what does society do?

Instead of comforting her, they ask her what she was wearing.

Instead of healing her, they question if she “invited it.”

Instead of holding the rapist accountable, they raise fingers at her character.

⸻

It Was Never About the Clothes

Rape is not about short skirts or deep necklines. It’s not about a woman being “too bold” or “too modern.” Because a newborn doesn’t wear jeans. A 95-year-old doesn’t wear crop tops.

Rape is about power. Control. Cruelty. And evil desires that lurk in the hearts of men who see women as objects, not humans. The issue isn’t the dress — it’s the mentality that enables such darkness.

⸻

The Fear That Never Leaves

Every woman knows the ritual of fear.

Keys between fingers. Phone on dial. Looking over her shoulder every few seconds. Pretending to talk on the phone while walking at night. Choosing a longer, more crowded route just to feel a little less alone.

Why should she live like this?

Why should safety be a privilege for men and a prayer for women?

⸻

When Will It End?

We’ve told our daughters to cover up, be polite, come home early, lower their voices.

When will we start teaching our sons not to rape?

When will we create a society where a woman can walk home at 2 AM and feel just as safe as a man does at 10 PM?

⸻

The Way Forward

• Stop blaming the victim. Start supporting her.

• Raise boys who respect, not violate.

• Demand justice, loud and clear.

• Believe survivors. Fight for them. Stand with them.

Because silence is not protection. Silence is permission.

⸻

A Final Whisper

To every girl who’s been hurt, abused, or broken: It was never your fault.

To every man who stands up for women: Thank you. We need more like you.

To the world: Enough is enough.

Women deserve safety. Women deserve peace.

Women deserve to live.

The rape of women remains a devastating violation of human rights, rooted in power, control, and systemic inequality. It causes lifelong trauma, shatters dignity, and affects every aspect of a survivor’s life. Despite growing awareness, justice is often delayed or denied due to societal stigma, victim-blaming, and weak legal systems. It is crucial to challenge toxic mindsets, educate communities, and strengthen laws to protect and empower women. True change begins with believing survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and fostering a culture of consent and respect. Only then can we hope to create a safer and more just society for all women.