Tamil Nadu Commission Empowers Women with Public Hearing to Combat Harassment

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 15 June 2023

The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women is set to embark on a pioneering initiative by organizing a public hearing in Madurai to accelerate the resolution of sexual harassment cases. Chairperson A S Kumari revealed that this pilot project will be followed by similar public hearings in other districts in the near future.

The primary objective of the public hearing is to address the backlog of pending cases and petitions related to crimes against women, with a specific focus on sexual harassment cases involving individuals aged 18 and above. To ensure a fair and impartial process, these cases will be heard by a retired judge, marking the first implementation of such a project.

To identify and bring forward relevant cases, the commission has joined forces with 10 women's organizations. Their collaboration will play a pivotal role in selecting approximately 25-30 cases from the past 3½ to 5 years, shedding light on the reasons behind the delays in resolving them.

In an effort to encourage active participation from individuals residing in the 10 southern districts, the commission has established a streamlined process for submitting petitions. Interested parties are urged to use speed post or courier services to send their petitions to the commission's office in Chennai. This inclusive approach ensures that a broad range of cases can be considered during the public hearing.

Recognizing the pressing need to address the escalating incidents of sexual harassment in educational institutions, the commission has devised an awareness campaign. As part of this initiative, a marathon will be organized, featuring the enthusiastic participation of approximately 2,000 women students. By engaging the younger generation, the commission aims to foster a safer environment and empower women to speak out against harassment.

In addition to physical abuse, the commission is also focused on combating the rise of cybercrimes targeting young women. To alleviate the fears and concerns of potential victims, the TN Women's Commission guarantees anonymity for those who approach them with their grievances. This assurance is intended to empower young women to seek assistance without the fear of compromising their privacy or security.

The public hearing in Madurai marks a significant step toward expediting justice for victims of sexual harassment. By handling the backlog of cases and increasing attention to these pressing issues, the commission is recreating a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of women in Tamil Nadu. The success of this pilot project will undoubtedly pave the way for similar initiatives across the state, fostering a society where women can live free from the pervasive threat of harassment and abuse.