Actor Shweta Tiwari has raised concerns regarding the online harassment of women, specifically questioning Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. This comes after Tiwari identified a troll, allegedly a supporter of the MNS, who directed abusive language towards her on social media. In a series of Instagram posts, she condemned the use of derogatory language against women and expressed her unease about the identity of some trolls, who, according to her, belong to respectable families.

Challenges Faced by Women in Social Media

In her posts, Tiwari highlighted the troubling phenomenon of women being verbally abused online, specifically mentioning the term ‘ra***’ as a common slur. She noted that such abuse transcends age and professional boundaries, stating that men from various backgrounds feel empowered to use this language against women. She expressed her dismay at the reality that some of these individuals are educated and come from families where women play vital roles.

The actor pointed out that her findings were particularly shocking, given that many offenders are not uneducated but are well-informed and reportedly have stable family lives. She mentioned seeing profiles of such individuals that depict their wives and children, which raised further questions about their moral integrity and respect for women.

Tiwari then shared a specific incident involving a doctor, whose Instagram profile included images of his family. She questioned how someone could return to their family after disrespecting another woman online, especially given the apparent contradictions in their behaviour.

Connection to Marathi Identity

In her reflections, Tiwari articulated her long-standing connection to Maharashtra and its culture. She mentioned having lived in the region her entire life and expressed pride in her Marathi identity. Born and raised in Mumbai, she recalled hearing women proudly identify as ‘Marathi mulgi’, which emphasised the respect and dignity associated with the culture.

She underscored her disillusionment with individuals who publicly identify as ‘Marathi manus’ while engaging in abusive behaviour online. Tiwari posed a critical question about the current state of Marathi identity, asking whether the term should now be associated with disrespectful conduct towards women. Additionally, she sought clarification from Thackeray about his stance on the actions of some of his supporters.

Tiwari further argued that claiming a Marathi identity should involve respect towards women. She stated that speaking Marathi and identifying as a Marathi manus should go hand in hand with valuing and respecting women’s dignity.

Reflections on Gender-based Abuse

In closing, Tiwari addressed the double standards prevalent among those who direct abuse towards women online while cherishing the women in their own lives. She recounted a recent Instagram Live session hosted by her fellow contestant from ‘The Traitors 2’, Parul Gulati. During the live session, many viewers reportedly hurled abusive comments at Tiwari and other participants.

Additionally, she revealed that some comments on social media had targeted her children in a disturbing manner. Tiwari questioned the rationale behind such behaviour, especially when those who engage in it have women in their families whom they would never allow to be treated disrespectfully.

Through her statements, Tiwari has drawn attention to the growing normalisation of gendered abuse in the online sphere, questioning why individuals feel justified in attacking women they do not know. This incident raises critical issues about the need for accountability and respect within the digital realm.

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