Awareness campaign to eliminate gender-based violence

Under the guidelines of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the Women’s Studies Centre at Gopichand Arya Mahila College organised a series of events as part of the “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” campaign. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and urge action to end violence against women and children.

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The campaign began with a poster-making competition focused on the problem of domestic violence against women. Organised in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the competition saw participation from students, who highlighted various aspects of this critical social problem.

The centre also hosted an extension lecture by Advocate Shruty Bhimwal, a mediator at the mediation centre. The lecture provided an in-depth understanding of key legal frameworks, including the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2013, the POCSO Act, 2012 and recent provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Advocate Bhimwal also discussed victim compensation mechanisms, offering insights to empower students with knowledge about their rights and legal remedies.

Amandeep Kaur, Coordinator of the Women’s Studies Centre, led a session on confidential reporting through the ‘SHe-Box’ portal, explaining how victims can seek redress effectively. Over 100 students participated in the event, showing significant interest and engagement.

Additionally, students were informed about emergency response systems, including the 112 emergency helpline, the 181 women’s helpline and the 1098 child helpline. The sessions aimed to familiarise students with these essential resources and encourage them to use these services when needed.

The principal, Dr Rekha Sood Handa praised the Women’s Studies Centre team for their efforts in organising this impactful campaign. The events were coordinated by Amandeep Kaur with support from Dr Neeraj Mehta, Jyoti Singhmar, Shivangi Vij, Ramanjit Kaur and Ushaminder.