Fear of being raped could be a factor in why American students are choosing not to study abroad in India, a recent Times of India article reported. "The concern for personal security and perceived increased danger to women as a result of the rape cases was perhaps a factor in US students' decision regarding study in India,” said Nancy Powell, the U.S. ambassador to India, in addressing students at Xavier Institute of Social Science (XISS) last week.
XISS students agreed with Powell and said they have faced sexual harassment on the streets. "Even we Indian girls face a lot of cat-calls and are subject to teasing outside the college campus almost everyday," said a student, who wished to remain anonymous.
Powell said last year a female American student from Chicago University posted an account on CNN iReport after studying abroad in India. The student’s report stated India was full of adventures and beauty, but while she was there she was groped, stalked and masturbated at.
While she was speaking to XISS students, Powell kept her focus on education. "There is no sector that better illustrates the mutual benefit of our relationship than education, a priority sector for both the US and India. Education has become one of the main pillars in our bilateral strategic partnership," she said.
No comments:
Post a Comment