What Did NCW Chief Vijaya Rahatkar Discover During Her Inspection of Facilities for Women Inmates in Ujjain's Central Jail?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Importance of Rehabilitation: Ensuring dignity and rights for women in correctional facilities is essential.
- Youth Engagement: Involving university students in gender discussions fosters awareness and activism.
- Role of the POSH Act: Protecting women from workplace harassment is critical for their empowerment.
- Training for Committees: Internal and Local Committees need proper training to handle complaints effectively.
- Zero Tolerance Culture: Establishing a culture of zero tolerance towards harassment is key to women's safety.
Ujjain, Nov 30 (NationPress) Emphasizing the importance of compassionate rehabilitation, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, conducted an assessment of the facilities for female inmates at Ujjain’s Central Jail, as reported by an official on Sunday.
“The National Commission for Women asserts that safeguarding the dignity, rights, and rehabilitation of women in correctional institutions is critically important for a sensitive and responsive justice system,” Rahatkar stated in a message on X.
During her visit to the Ujjain jail, a comprehensive evaluation of the living conditions of female inmates, security protocols, health services, and rehabilitation initiatives was carried out.
On the previous day, the NCW engaged in discussions regarding gender-related concerns with university students in Indore, according to a statement shared on X.
“Today, I had the opportunity to interact with the students of the renowned… University during the #Campus_Calling event organized by the National Commission for Women. I addressed various subjects including gender equality, cybercrime, campus safety, and the POSH law,” Rahatkar shared on X.
“The Campus Calling initiative is merely the beginning. Our objective is to connect with every university across the nation. Collaborating with the youth, we aim to amplify the voice advocating for women's rights. My message is clear — if the youth are informed, the future is assured,” she added.
Over the weekend, Rahatkar also spoke at a training camp for members of Local Committees (LC) and Internal Committees (IC) established under the #POSH_Act to tackle sexual harassment of women in workplaces throughout all eight districts of the Indore division.
In a message on X, she emphasized, “Every woman possesses a fundamental right to work in a secure and respectful environment — this is intrinsically tied to her personal safety and well-being, as well as her economic empowerment and societal advancement.”
The workplace is expected to be an environment that fosters equality, respect, and opportunities. However, despite advancements, the threat of sexual harassment remains a major obstacle for many women, particularly in unregulated and informal sectors, she noted.
“The POSH Act is a pivotal measure. This legislation also acknowledges that women employed outside formal structures — such as domestic workers, daily wage earners, self-employed women, and others in the unorganised sector — are equally at risk and need institutional backing,” she explained.
Under the POSH framework, Internal Committees and Local Committees serve as the foundation of this initiative. Their role extends beyond merely recording complaints; they must manage them with sensitivity, legality, and efficiency.
“It is crucial that we equip these committees with adequate training, resources, and support. I urge all members of Internal and Local Committees to actively contribute to fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment in their workplaces. By enhancing awareness, accountability, and grassroots activism, we can move significantly towards realizing the goals of the POSH Act,” she stated.