Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Organizes Awareness Campaign on Women’s Rights and Domestic Violence

The Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) and National Service Scheme (NSS), SMVDU joined hands to organize a One Day Awareness Campaign on Women’s Rights and Domestic Violence (Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act) on 13th October 2023 at the Matrika Auditorium. Sexual harassment and domestic violence are common issues faced by women in today’s society. These issues pose a problem often encountered in workplaces, homes and violate the women’s right to equality, life and liberty. It creates insecurity, reduces the quality of life and jeopardizes the well-being of women at their work places and homes alike. The purpose of the Campaign was to create awareness on women’s rights and domestic violence since all are expected to have the basic awareness regarding POSH Act, 2013 and, should respect the dignity of women. SMVDU bears the responsibility to organize training programs or workshops for the Officers, Functionaries, Faculty and Students as indicated in the SAKSHAM Report (Measures for Ensuring the Safety of Women and Programmes for Gender Sensitization on Campuses) of the Commission, to sensitize them and ensure knowledge and awareness of the rights, entitlements and responsibilities enshrined in the Act and under the HEI regulations. The Chief Guest for the event was Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU and Guest of Honor were Sh. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, JKAS, Registrar, SMVDU and Sh. Neeraj Gupta, JKAS, Finance Officer who thanked the invited dignitaries and the event organizers for bringing to fore this sensitive subject. They illuminated on the sensitization of gender issues, the inclusion of empathy and requested the students to appeal if they face sexual violence so that the perpetrators don’t get emboldened.  In this context two expert lectures were delivered. Ms. Kiran Thakur, Advocate, Jammu High Court spoke about ‘Rights, Responsibilities, and Remedies: Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop’ and briefed the students about the basics of Domestic Violence, its types and examples of abuse one might be inflicted upon, followed by an interactive illustration demonstrating the guidelines of the Domestic Violence Act. A video documentary on ‘Why Indian households normalize domestic violence’ was consequently played. It was followed by the next guest Lecture on ‘Sexual Harassment and Police FIR’ by Ms. Neeta Verma, a Criminal Lawyer, and a member of the International Council of Jurists and practicing Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. She elucidated the details of the Sexual Harassment Act and the POSH Act, and the different sections under ICC that fend off sexual violence. The audience was made aware about the Universal helpline numbers (WHL) and One Stop Centers (OSC) available in case they need to lodge a complaint. An eclectic mix of cultural performances including poem recitation and singing were brought in by the culturally active students of SMVDU. The event was organized by the team comprising of Dr. Sharada Potukuchi, Dr. Sunanda, Mr. Vinod Kumar, Mr. B.K. Bhatia, Ms. Anu Suri, Members of the ICC; Ms. Minerva, Ms. Manya Verma, Ms. Samiksha, Student Members of ICC; Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Dr. Kamaldeep, the Coordinators of NSS Unit of SMVDU and Mr. Jaipal Jamwal Staff associated with ICC and the student volunteers from various Schools of the University. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. BK Bhatia, Placement Officer, SMVDU. The campaign ended on a patriotic note with the orchestration of the National Anthem.