What about women's mental peace?

Discussions about women's safety are endless, yet one crucial aspect remains overlooked: women's mental peace. In Bangladesh, a girl grows up surrounded by countless 'don'ts'-"Don't go out alone," "Be careful what you wear"-which become invisible chains limiting her freedom. Constant exposure to news of violence and personal experiences of harassment or discrimination create chronic anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among women.

Mental stress is not limited to physical threats. Discrimination in families, neglect, mental abuse from in-laws, workplace bias and societal pressure to excel in dual roles weigh heavily on women's minds. A society that praises women's sacrifices but ignores their mental health fosters insecurity and low self-esteem. A woman may be physically secure, yet if fear, humiliation, and anxiety dominate her mind, that safety is meaningless. Ensuring mental health alongside physical protection must be our priority.

Let us build a society where women can live freely, without fear, and with dignity. Their safety is incomplete without their peace of mind.

Hena Sikder

Department of Philosophy, Jagannath University

sikderhena734@gmail.com