Punjab: Awareness campaign to end gender-based violence
Punjab: Under the guidelines of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the Centre for Women’s Studies at Gopichand Arya Mahila College organised a series of events as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and urge action to end violence against women and children. The campaign began with a poster-making competition focusing on the problem of domestic violence against women. Organised in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the competition was attended by students who highlighted various aspects of this grave social problem. The centre also hosted an extension lecture by mediator Advocate Shruti Bhimwal of 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 Workplace Act, 2013, the POCSO Act, 2012 and recent provisions under the Indian Code of Justice, 2023 and the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023. Advocate Bhimwal also discussed the victim compensation mechanism, providing insights to students to provide them with knowledge about their rights and legal remedies.
Amandeep Kaur, Coordinator, Centre for Women’s Studies, led a session on confidential reporting through the ‘She-Box’ portal, highlighting how victims can effectively seek redressal. The event was attended by over 100 students, showing significant interest and engagement. Additionally, students were informed about emergency response systems including 112 Emergency Helpline, 181 Women Helpline and 1098 Child Helpline. The sessions aimed to familiarise students with these essential resources and encourage them to use these services when needed. Principal Dr Rekha Sood Handa praised the team of Centre for Women’s Studies for organising this impactful campaign. The event was coordinated by Amandeep Kaur and supported by Dr Neeraj Mehta, Jyoti Singhmar, Shivangi Vij, Ramanjit Kaur and Usha Minder.
