Girls, Be Cautious—Because the World Still Isn’t Safe Enough
“Where women are respected, the gods dwell. Where they are not, no righteous deed bears fruit.” — Ancient Indian Scripture
We live in a world where women are leading space missions, heading corporations, and driving change across the globe. Yet, even today, girls are constantly reminded to be careful. In a society that claims progress, a woman’s freedom is still governed by invisible chains of fear and judgment.
Whether on the streets or in schools, from metro cities to rural towns, girls face an unspoken rulebook:
- Don’t wear this.
- Don’t go out late.
- Don’t speak too freely.
- Don’t trust too easily.
Behind every one of these "don’ts" lies a stark reality: if something goes wrong, the blame often falls on the girl—not the perpetrator. And these aren't outdated ideas from remote corners of the world. These are the lived experiences of women from well-educated, urban families too. Degrees may educate, but they don’t always liberate.
Young women who move to cities for higher education or employment often carry the double burden of ambition and anxiety. Even simple joys—like celebrating festivals, going out with friends, or just walking home at night—require vigilance, planning, and a constant awareness of danger.
Many remain silent in the face of harassment, fearing shame, victim-blaming, or isolation. Movements like #MeToo have helped break some of the silence, but not all girls feel safe enough to speak.
While parents raise daughters to be strong and independent, society still asks girls to carry the responsibility of avoiding harm, rather than teaching boys to respect boundaries.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t a call for fear—it’s a call for awareness. Girls today are confident, bold, and capable of achieving anything. Yet, in a world that hasn’t caught up with their strength, they must also learn to protect themselves:
- Stay alert.
- Know your rights.
- Learn self-defense.
- Speak out when something feels wrong.
And just as importantly, we must raise our boys to become respectful, empathetic men—because safety should not be a one-sided burden.
Until the world is truly equal and respectful, girls will continue to be told to “be cautious.” But let us work toward a future where that’s no longer necessary.