Call for stringent enforcement of laws protecting women's safety

By: WE Staff | Saturday, 26 February 2022

Our country has a plethora of laws aimed at protecting women. But what we lack is the political will to put them into effect, according to a presentation held at the Thrissur Press Club on Friday in honour of International Women's Day.

The debate was organised by the District Women and Child Development Office, Women Protection Office, and the Thrissur Press Club and was titled "Increasing Rate of Women Related Crimes - Reasons and Solutions."

The speakers stressed the importance of multifaceted campaigns to combat rising incidence of violence against women. Women must be treated equally to males in both domestic and public places, which requires a paradigm shift in society's mindset. The speakers emphasised that women and girls should choose their own priorities in life.

“Each person should have a clear idea about their rights. Even though Kerala is a highly literate State, we have yet to become a society that appreciates gender equality,” said Usha Bindu Mol, Deputy Collector , who inaugurated the session.

Domestic violence increased dramatically during the COVID period, according to V.K. Raja, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thrissur City. He believes the true number of instances is significantly larger than what has been published. He went on to say that girls should take on leadership responsibilities in order to advance in society.

We have enough laws, but we don't know how to use them to safeguard women and children. K.G. Viswanathan, the chairman of the Child Welfare Committee, stated.

According to retired Public Prosecutor Pious Mathew, several laws in the country have lost their fangs and need to be updated. District information officer C.P. Abdul Karim told the students from various colleges and media personnel in attendance that self-empowerment is the most important tool for dealing with obstacles.

AMHA (Association For Mentally Disabled Adults) founder P. Bhanumathy stated that women must value their self-esteem. He went on to say that social transformation needs to begin at home.

P. Meera, the District Women and Child Development Officer, and S. Lekha, the Women Protection Officer, were among those who spoke.