Women told to use education to fight violence

Vijayawada: Women should use education as a weapon to fight violence against them in the country which is in a transitional stage, says Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crimes) B Rajakumari.

She was addressing the meeting here on Monday held in connection the Human Rights Day coinciding with the conclusion of fortnight-long Campaign on Gender Equality which was started on November 25.

The DCP said that education gives self-confidence which would help to acquire self-respect for women. “Every woman should have the knowledge of various laws made for them,” she said and added that there are several laws for the protection of women.

She advised women not to waste time watching TV serials and better concentrate on children’s behaviour. She hoped that the day would come when women could go out at any time without any fear.

Byra Koteswara Rao, director of Prosecutions, said that the women should question the inequalities after thoroughly understanding various enactments made for them. “Women who are conscious of their rights could control their family and even society,” he added.

Dr Siddoji Rao, convener of IAS/IPS Officers’ Forum, elaborated on various types of violence against women.

Geddam Jhansi, national convener of Dalit Sthree Sakthi, said that the organization has been fighting for the last 15 years against the violence on Adivadi and Dalit women. 

She said that the working of various government departments should be improved to prevent violence against women. “It is high time the Domestic Violence Act should be reviewed to bring amendment to it for the benefit of rural poor women,” she said.

Jhansi called upon women to unite to put an end to exploitation in the name of caste, class, and gender.

Daniel Prakash, national programme manager presided over the meeting.

Krishna district coordinators Mounika and Jyotsna and a sizable number of women from all over the state participated in the meeting.

Earlier, the report on the implementation of SC, ST Act was released. District coordinator Hemalata proposed a vote of thanks.