By P. Shravan Kumar
Recent events involving a false accusation in Kerala and the tragic loss of life that followed have ignited a fierce debate online and in homes across the country. Yes — what happened was wrong. A human life was lost, and false accusations are a serious crime that must never be taken lightly. No one should defend that. But neither should we use one incident as a free pass to lambaste all women, or to erase the experiences of millions of women who face violence, harassment, and discrimination every day.In India and around the world, the conversation on gender and justice is far more complex than reactive social media arguments allow. Men who seize on this one case to proclaim that women are inherently deceitful or that feminism has failed miss the larger picture — and, more importantly, ignore the systemic realities faced by women.
A Global Reality of Violence Against Women Violence against women remains a deeply entrenched global crisis. According to the World Health Organization and United Nations, nearly 840 million women — nearly one in three — have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner or non-partner in their lifetimes. Recent reports show that progress in reducing violence has been painfully slow, with rates of intimate partner violence declining by only 0.2 % annually over the past two decades. Moreover, in many nations, one in every eight women has been a victim of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault within just one year — a stark reminder of how common gender-based violence remains. These are not abstract numbers or distant problems. They reflect lived realities in homes and communities everywhere. False Accusations — Rare but Hurtful There is no question that false accusations can occur, and their impact on the accused can be devastating.
Surveys suggest that a minority of people report experiencing false accusations of abuse, with figures in some large surveys showing a range from about 6 % to 18 % among men in certain countries reporting they have been falsely accused at some point. These experiences are traumatic, and men who have been falsely accused deserve empathy and due process. But it is also crucial to recognize that statistical estimates on false allegations vary widely, and experts stress that accurately quantifying these incidents is difficult due to different definitions and reporting standards. Still, a single false accusation — or a handful of them — does not undo generations of documented suffering by women, nor does it justify sweeping claims that women are dangerous by nature.Context Matters Where were the voices of outrage when women were harassed, assaulted, stalked, or killed in real cases? When victims were silenced by shame, questioned about their clothing, or intimidated into silence by social stigma?Men who loudly proclaim, “Where are the feminists now?” are not genuinely seeking balance. Too often, they are waiting for a moment to invalidate decades of women’s pain and struggle for equality.
The Everyday Reality Women Face To say “all men” are dangerous is neither fair nor productive. But to recognize that every woman grows up learning caution — especially around men — is a lived truth for many. Whether walking home late at night, enduring unwanted advances, or navigating workplace dynamics, women routinely make safety calculations most men never have to consider.One woman lying does not erase the voices of thousands telling the truth. One viral reel does not undo generations of systemic imbalance. False accusations should be investigated thoroughly, justly, and with respect for everyone involved — but they should not be weaponized to dismiss the very real dangers women continue to face.Toward True Justice and EqualityJustice should be equal.
Accountability should be equal. But don’t confuse calls for women’s safety and systemic reform with men’s craving for victimhood.We must stand against violence, lies, and injustice — wherever they occur — without allowing one isolated incident to morph into hatred toward an entire gender. The path to a more just society lies in empathy, evidence-based discourse, and a commitment to protect all individuals from harm.
(The views expressed are solely those of the author.)
