‘Women need a safe atmosphere’: Prameela Naidu

Y Maheswara Reddy | NT

The Karnataka State Women’s Commission (KSWC) is considered as a ray of hope for women victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment at work places. The KSWC has been receiving complaints from women across the state and its main focus is to create legal awareness among women about their rights and how to fight against discrimination and all types of violence. The KSWC Chairperson R Prameela Naidu says that women need not crave for empowerment but fight for their rights. Prameela Naidu wants all women educated and led life with self-respect. In a brief interview, the KSWC Chairperson explains to Y Maheswara Reddy about the KSWC’s measures to make women aware of their rights.

One more Women’s Day is coming up. What do you think?
We have been celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. The objective is to spread a message of gender equality and work together to ensure a society free from gender bias. This year, the United Nations has declared – Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow – as the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day

Have women been able to come out of the shackles now?
I think not all women are free from different types of shackles. Many women or girl students have no freedom to do what they want to do or pursue. Many girls in rural areas are not able to pursue higher studies. Their parents either stop or discourage those pursuing higher studies as they are not sure of finding suitable bridegrooms if they pursue higher education.

Have you received complaints of sexual harassment or rape against women?
Yes. We have been receiving complaints of sexual harassment and rape from women and girls. I come across many complaints of alleged rape by their boyfriends. There are some complaints of alleged rape taken place after being in love. The problem with such girls or women is that they are complaining only when they differ with their boyfriends or lovers. These complaints cannot be treated as rape complaints.

You have visited Mysuru when an unfortunate rape incident took place. What is your opinion on such incidents?
The need of the hour is to have a conducive atmosphere for women to visit any place without any fear or hurdle. Mahatma Gandhiji said that India would be free when women feel safe to walk on the streets at midnight. I don’t find anything wrong with the girl along with her friend visiting such a place in Mysuru.

What do you suggest to police to deal with the accused in such cases?
I have requested the police officers to ensure that accused persons get severe punishment. I have also suggested them to make arrangements to inform the public about the punishment given to those responsible for such crimes. I want the police to give such punishment to the convicts that should frighten other from even having such inhuman thoughts.

What is the role of KSWC in preventing sexual harassment at workplaces?
We want all workplaces where more than 10 women are working to have an internal complaints committee (ICC). We wrote letters to 5,500 companies across the state advising them to have the ICCs. Around 1,800 companies have informed us that they have already established the ICCs.