For millions of women, whistles, obscene gestures, and lecherous stares are a daily nightmare. Says Asia Week: "Surveys reveal That One Japanese woman in four has been sexually assaulted in public, with 90% of the incidents taking place in trains. . . . Only 2% of victims take any action When mauled. Most cited fear of Their molesters' response as the main reason for Their silence. "
Sexual harassment has increased dramatically in India. . The magazine India Today International reported that "for women across India, fear is a constant companion and rape is the stranger they may have to confront at every corner, on any road, in any public place, at any hour."
"The fear, the anxiety, the distress are all a part of daily urban life for many women," says the book The Female Fear. "Women's fear of rape is a sense That One mus always be on guard, vigilant and alert, a feeling That causes a woman to tighten with anxiety if some one is walking too closely behind her, Especially at night. It is. . . a feeling women are never totally free of. "
Violent crime Affects many women. However, fear of violence Affects almost all women.The State of World Population 2000, United Nations publication, says: "Around the world,at least one in every three women has been beaten, Coerced into sex, or abused in some other way-most Often by some one she knows.
In many cultures women are viewed and treated as inferior or second-class as the Citizens. Prejudices against them are deep-rooted.
Prejudice, and hate are learned behaviors Primarily,
and anything learned can be unlearned.
The Bible record shows Clearly That no matter what cultural views may prevail, all women Should be treated with honor and respect. It is Their God-given two.
Rejoice in the hope.
God promises a world free of suffering
The Bible promises That by means of Christ's rule, God "will wipe out every tear from [mankind's] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore."-Revelation 21:4.