‘Change in mindset can curb violence against women’

OST Bureau

Bhubaneswar, Nov 22:

“There are enough laws in India to fight violence against women but good intention is needed to implement it,” said State Women Commission (SWC) Chairperson Lopamudra Buxipatra while speaking at the 13th state level consultation on formulation of Odisha State Girl Child and Women Policy with here on Friday.

The theme of the workshop was ‘Violence against Women’ .

Organised by the state Women and Child Development department in association with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and State Commission for Women, dignitaries on the dais spoke on various issues related to violence against girls and women. Recommendations and suggestions were presented during the workshop by the participants from various government organization, NGOs and civil society members working for women issues.

Buxipatra pointed out that the picture of violence against women in our state is grim. She informed that Odisha ranks tenth in terms of percentage share of crime against women in the country, accounting for 4.1 per cent. It ranks eighth in rape cases with a percentage share of 4.6 per cent and ranks seventh in dowry murders  (5.4%)  in the country, she added.

Re-counting Pipili and Tikiri cases, Lalit Das, Special Secretary,Home Department said there is need for change in the attitude and mindset among men and then only the violence rate can be curbed, adding that most cases of sexual harassment have been perpetrated by relatives and neighbours. Besides, work places are not safe for women along with the disable girls and women, irrespective of their age, have been the victim of sexual harassment.

We need to understand the issues of violence against girls and women, critically analyze the legal system and need to come out with some fruitful measures and mechanisms to fight violence against the fair sex, said Arati Ahuja, Secretary, State Women and Child Development Department.