Women’s Rights Day celebrated at PU

            Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with State Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh celebrated International Women’s Day, here today by organizing a panel discussion on ‘Human Rights Advocacy for Acid Attack survivors’. 

            Dr Namita Gupta, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and Duties, PU stated that International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year with a purpose to create an equitable society. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, is “Balance for Better”. A balance cannot be maintained in a society which inflict violence or discriminate against half of the population of the world. Acid attack on women is one of the most heinous forms of violence against women and time has come to raise a voice against any violence against women in the society.

            Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.B. Chaudhri, Judge Punjab and Haryana High Court while elaborating on the theme said that it is a matter of shame that though there have been various laws and policies framed to protect women from various forms of violence but the ground reality is totally different and the State still fails in shielding the women in the manner it should be. There has been lack of speedy trial and assistance to victims which makes it more difficult for them to go through various hardships. Making references to various cases dealt by him, he asserted that there is an urgent need to amend various laws not only to ensure the safety of women but also to compensate and rehabilitate victims of violence.

            Professor Shankarji Jha, Dean of University Instructions, Panjab University empathized with the acid attack victims specially the Ritu Saini. He stated that it is the law of ocean that the stronger species always try to control the weaker ones. However, in a civilized society, we should work for the protection of the weaker sections of the society.

            Ms. Ritu Saini, an Acid Attack Survivor and a social worker from Delhi, shared her horrifying experiences. She narrated her story and revealed that she was only eighteen years old when her cousin paid someone to throw acid on her. She said that she was a state Volleyball player and has ambitions like any other girl. However, one incident changed her life. She has suffered not only physically but mentally too. She asserted that why are men in our society not able to accept rejection. She shared her campaign “Stop Acid Attack” and also about the ‘Sheroes Hangout Café’ run by the acid attack survivors in Lucknow and Agra.

            Ms. Veena Kumari, State Director, Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Chandigarh, stated that acid attack is an extreme kind of violence perpetuated against women. She made reference to various cases especially Supreme Court Judgment of 2013 in Laxmi vs. Union of India. She stated that acid sale is regulated by law rather than banning the sale of acid.  She talked about various entitlements which should be given to the acid attack victims mainly focusing on adequate compensation. There should be an immediate compensation to be given to the victim which has to be paid by the perpetrator.

            Ms. Navpreet Kaur, Founder member, Stop Sale Acid Campaign shared experiences of her research on Acid Attack victims and discussed various cases that she has studied. She drew a conclusion of her study that one of the prominent reasons behind such crime is patriarchy embedded in the society.

            Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, Assistant Professor, Centre for Human Rights and Duties, focused on the gender neutrality of the issue. She drew attention towards the gender neutral dimension that should be considered which framing legal measures, policy measures and rehabilitation mechanism.

            Prof. Rajesh Gill, Chairperson, Department of Sociology, chair of the panel while concluding the session threw light on the poor viability of the compensation aspect. She said, “Law is necessary but not enough. It is the society that has to play an important role in mainstreaming the vulnerable section of the society.” She also asked the men in the audience to redefine masculinity in them. She complemented the individualistic attitude of men who have accepted the acid attack victims.

            The event was well attended by the faculty members, researchers and students from different departments. Sh Mahavir Singh, Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh was also present on this occasion.