Women apprised of rights, laws at workshop

Women were apprised of their rights and laws during a one-day awareness workshop here today.

Addressing the workshop, Surinder Chauhan, Mayor, Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC), who was the chief guest on the occasion, said, “Today, women are proving their talent by excelling in every field. However, despite governments implementing several laws to safeguard women’s rights, incidents of harassment against women continue to surface on a daily basis, which is a matter of concern. Women should not remain silent against injustice but should raise their voice and should fight against it.”

“The state government has also implemented various welfare schemes for the uplift of women and it is very important that every woman is aware of these schemes,” he said.

Vidya Negi, Chairperson, State’s Commission for Women, during her address, said, “While it is very important to safeguard the rights of women, it is also important that women should be fully aware of their rights. Voice against injustice cannot be raised if women are unaware of their rights. It is also very important for women to be aware of laws that protect their rights.”

Negi said men should also change their perspective towards women. “Women are not meant for exploitation and harassment. They too have self-respect. Women should remain sensitive towards their social, economic and political empowerment. Men and women are equal and should be given equal opportunities as well as equal responsibilities,” she said.

She also called on the women to directly contact the commission in case they need any assistance. Earlier, Bushra Ansari, Member Secretary, State Commission for Women, in her welcome address, highlighted the work being carried out by the commission.