How many times have we blamed the state for not having adequate aid or help centres for women who are victims of several kinds of harassment? A zillion; or maybe even more than that, right? Delhi has finally realised the need for this.
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) is all set to open one-stop centres in 11 districts in the national capital to offer medical, legal, and psychological aid to women in distress. It will help women who have been victims of any sort of sexual or mental harassment.
“As many as 11 ‘one-stop centre’ will be opened in Delhi and will be run by DCW. These centres will be opened under a Central government scheme. Funds for its functioning will be provided by the central government,” said the women’s panel chief Swati Maliwal.
The order for opening such centres has come from the state government. Maliwal has talked about the action plan in detail with Maneka Gandhi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
“These one-stop centres will provide medical, legal, psychological and other facilities to women who have been victims in cases of rape, harassment, dowry, etc. These centres will extend work of the DCW’s Crime Intervention Cell (CIS) and Rape Crisis Cell (RCC). Through these one-stop centres, the DCW can reach out to more women and assist them,” Ms. Maliwal added.
The proposal to establish these centres was discussed with Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a meeting held in August.
Swati Maliwal discusses the plan with Maneka Gandhi.
Even though the idea of one-stop centres is laudable and is basically the need of the hour, what is more, important is the implementation of the plan. A lot of women in our country, even today, do not have the courage to speak out and take a stand for themselves; then how will these centres be beneficial to them?
The main purpose of DCW should not only be to set up one-stop centres, but also to encourage women to come out of their restricted spaces and avail the aid being provided to them. They should be able to feel that there exists an institution that will help them, instead of condemning them.
Taking small steps for the protection of women; way to go DCW!
If you liked reading this, take a look at:
http://edtimes.in/2016/01/humans-story-11-sexual-abuse/
