It is a fight between decent & indecent men and women: Kamla Bhasin

Despite many women coming out against their molesters during the #MeToo movement, most cases did not reach legal conclusion

Right from the beginning, women who came out during #MeToo had very little faith in the existing legal system. The legal closure to Dutta's case proves the same. #MeToo was a sudden outburst of a wound or a lava. I wouldn't judge the movement based on the number of cases won. The agency of power of the accused and the survivor is very different. A certain minister pitted 80 lawyers against the woman. It is difficult to prove herself innocent. There may be a few women making false accusations and I don't deny that. In a country like ours, who would put their neck out?

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Was the catharsis enough?

Would you go to an Indian court? The Bhanwari Devi case is still underway. Is there any hope? The money one needs to spend in such cases is a lot. A case goes on for 10-15 years. The movement was about saying that such oppression is widespread. There has been a backlash. I heard some PhD students were turned down under the fear of a potential #MeToo allegation. However, how long we can keep quiet especially when it is hurting women?!

Also Read: Decades-old rape complaints still a challenge to investigate: Cops

Were the women late in coming out?

Thirteen men from my immediate family touched me inappropriately right from when I was four to nine years old. I opened up to women alone, when I turned 45. My question is why I couldn't tell my family? We should always celebrate opening up.

Also Read: Movement will live on always': Kamayani Bali Mahabal

What is the role of men in this?

Men know this happens and men, who are against it should come out. At Delhi's Connaught Place, 200 men came out in support of MeToo. If it happens to men, for example, cases of child abuse, we should stand by them. Child abuse of males is often carried out by other men. We all have to speak against it. It is a fight between decent and indecent men and women.

Also Read: Knowing man's side of the narrative

How far do you think the fight has been successful in office spaces?

Most office bosses are men. Most internal committees are close to owners and bosses and people in power. However, after the movement many more offices have ICC (Internal Complaints Committees). It is a big start. I am hopeful of progress.