State Level Consultation on Violence Free Society for Women

Recent data indicates that Rajasthan is one of the top five states when ranked on the prevalence of incidences of violence against women (VAW). Of course, statistical data only depicts reported incidences, under-trials and convictions. The numbers we encounter represent only a fragment of the violence and crimes perpetuated against women in Rajasthan.

PRIA organised a state level consultation in collaboration with Rajasthan State Women's Commission (RSWC), Rajasthan University Women's Association (RUWA) and University Maharanis College, Jaipur on September 7th, 2016 to bring together people from various fields to discuss and deliberate upon the issues of violence against women and girls in Rajasthan, as well as to explore possible convergences between government, civil society and communities to address the growing problem. Multiple stakeholders deliberated, discussed, and identified ways in which public institutions can be more accountable and responsive to incidents of violence against women and girls, and the role that civil society actors can play in addressing the same.

More than 300 people participated from different parts of Rajasthan -- Banswara, Jhalawar, Sirohi, Dausa and Jhunjhunu -- and across civil society organisations and academia at Maharani’s College, Jaipur. Young people from educational institutions and from 10 municipal wards were equal and enthusiastic participants in the discussions that took place through the day, and presented songs inspired by gender equality.

Mrs. Suman Sharma chaired the first panel on Current Status of Violence Against Women (VAW) in Rajasthan. The panelists promised to lead a coalition on institutional response on this grave matter. Mr. S.K. Jain from Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) took the step of inviting organisations such as PRIA and RUWA to identify holistic solutions and collective action that can be taken across the state to address violence against women. Other panelists included Dr. Alpana Kateja, Principal, Maharani’s College; Mr. S.N. Khinchi, representing DGP Rajasthan Police; Mr. Manoj Bhatt, Dr. Rajesh Tandon and Mr. Manoj Rai from PRIA; Mr, Vijay Goyal, child rights activist; Prof. Ladkumari Jain, ex-chairperson of Rajsthan Mahila Ayog; Prof Renuka Pamecha, Ms. Nisha Sidhu and Dr. Pritam Pal.

This state level, multi stakeholder consultation has brought renewed vigour to the movement for collective action and institutional responsibility on violence against women in Rajasthan. It emerges from PRIA's experience with Kadam Badhate Chalo (KBC) in Jaipur, an initiative that seeks to address violence against women and girls. KBC primarily works with and for youth groups across socio-economic strata to create a safe platform to facilitate the exchange of information and open a channel of communication between communities and public service agencies.