70% crimes against women in India go unreported, bias begins at birth

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh attended a one-day workshop organised by the Department of Political Science on the theme “Awareness on Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence.” He emphasised that university departments must focus on applied research so that the outcomes directly benefit society. Highlighting the university’s vision for innovation, he said the five newly established Innovation and Research Centres would serve as key pillars for HPU’s future growth.

He urged each department to promote interdisciplinary collaboration with these centres to enhance the quality and reach of research. The VC also announced that research scholars producing outstanding work would be provided opportunities to pursue research abroad.

In the first session, Advocate Shikha Chauhan from the Himachal Pradesh High Court delivered an address on “Crime against women and legal perspectives.” She noted that over 70 per cent of crimes against women in India go unreported, masking the true scale of the issue. She added that although all human beings were created equal, discrimination against women begins from birth in many cases. Chauhan also sensitised participants about the provisions of the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning women’s safety and justice.

In the second session, Prof Aparna Negi, Chairperson of the Centre for Women’s Studies, interacted with research scholars and students on the theme “Women’s safety and domestic violence.” She urged women to remain aware of their rights and to work towards becoming self-reliant and empowered.

On the occasion, DSP Geetanjali from the Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters and Prof SN Ghosh from the Department of Psychology, HPU, also shared their insights on the psychological and social dimensions of sexual harassment and domestic violence. The workshop was chaired by Dr Abha Khimta, Chairperson, Department of Political Science.