Press Conference on Women’s Safety
New Delhi; January 29, 2013: Gruesome incident on the night of December 16, 2012 in the heart of Delhi shook the entire nation, spurred country-wide demonstration and demanded the stringent punishment for rape and speedy justice for the rape victim. Since the brutal incident, the number of PCR vans has increased on Delhi roads. CCTVs are now also visible at prominent places. Yet concerted action is required by all sections of society.
On January 29, 2013, ASSOCHAM and ALL released a report on “Women’s Safety: Reality Check and Recommendations,??? during a press conference held at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. The panelists comprising Dr. Harbeen Arora, Global Chairperson, ALL, Ms. Ritu Beri, noted Fashion Designer and Dr. Nidhi Sadana Sabharwal, Director, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, talked at length about women’s precarious status in society and the need to strengthen safety measures for them. Dr. Arora said, “In this report, we have ascertained the wide variety of undercurrents in society, mindsets, and institutional set-ups that give rise to the range of troubles in which women find themselves today. Based on our survey, we have offered extensive recommendations to address the crisis.???
Noted Fashion Designer Ms. Ritu Beri emphasized the need to volunteer professional services like that of doctors, lawyers, counselors, etc to help foster awareness among women and bolster their physical and mental strength.??? Dr. Nidhi Sadana enumerated a host of problems that Dalit women face in particular due to social prejudices and lack of opportunities.
The Report released during the Press Conference offers a detailed account of crimes against women, women-supportive government schemes, women-centric law agencies, findings and recommendations. The Conference ended with a Questions and Answers session with the Press and Audience followed by lunch.