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HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2011 December 10, 2011: 3.00 pm Jawahar Balabhavan, Chembukavu, Thrissur. Seminar on "HOW SAFE IS KERALA FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN" |
Mrs.Devaki
Nilayamkode : Chief Guest
Professor N.N.Gokuldas: Moderator
Speakers: Lalitha Lenin, Dr.Sherly Vasu, Mini Muringatherry, Adv.Faritha Ansari, K.R.Indira, Dr.N.Subramannian and Dr.Usman, Adv.P.N.Sunitha and E.Jayashree.
Human
Rights Day 2011 was observed on 10th December 2011 under the auspice
of Jananeethi at the premises of Jawahar Bala Bhavan, Thrissur from 3.00 pm with
a panel of distinguished speakers who are quite conversant with the
socio-political and cultural context of Kerala. The theme chosen for the day was
‘How safe is Kerala for women and Children’. The topic was deemed to be most
appropriate in the wake of recent reports from Kerala regarding sexual and
physical abuse of women and young girls.
Devaki Nilayamkode who inaugurated the seminar briefly presented a retrospective of Jananeethi that completed 20 years of committed services to all sorts of victims of human rights violations, both in families and in society. She also stressed the need of increased number of service providers who are equipped to extend support to women and children. She observed several positive changes in society defending and supporting women and girl children who are in public domain. However, she also noted that the contemporary realities are pointers that they need to be stronger and practical.
Lalitha
Lenin who spoke next explained the complexities of modern society wherein girls
should learn to help themselves. Self reliance is the need of the day. In many
cases, women are unable to assert themselves or find themselves in the labyrinth
of customary and traditional practices that perpetuate unequal systems. Economic
independence is the only remedy that can weed out many ill habits in the
society.
Mini Muringatherry, correspondent of The Hindu, was focusing on the steady increase of sexual violence and gender based discriminations. She presented the latest statistics of women’s atrocities in the State of Kerala. One may go wrong in opinion, but not in facts. Despite the many steps taken by the law enforcement authorities and human rights institutions in the state, the numbers of violence on women and girl children are always on the increase. It means that we fail on the implementing areas, may be lack of resources, coordination or strong motivation.
Dr.Sherly Vasu recollected how quick and impeccable was the system in developed societies like the UK. Any complaint against gender based violence would be examined and action would be taken instantly. According to her, the biggest handicap in our country is the delay inherent in the prosecution system and the court proceedings. Police training should be changed drastically.
Advocate
Faritha Ansari spoke on her bitter experiences being a member on the Child
Welfare Committee of Thrissur, where dozens of minor girls are being brought in
as victims of child abuse and child exploitation. Often the prevailing systems,
social and judicial, become stumbling blocks while dealing seriously and
sincerely with issues at hand. Legal proceedings are abruptly dropped or
vitiated only on flimsy grounds of technical or administrative reasons.
Criminals rein over justice administration.
Dr.Subramannian, psychiatrist, opined that not deviants but the causative factors are to be checked and revamped. There are psychological reasons behind the abnormal behaviour of persons. They need treatment, not perhaps punishment. Hence each case has to be examined in depth from its economic, socio, cultural and psychological angles.
Dr.Usman, Standing Committee Chairperson of Thrissur Municipal Corporation for Education, suggested that the moral decadence and ethical crisis in society and at home could be the root cause to many of deviant behavior of persons with respect to persons of opposite sex.
K.R.Indira, Program Director of All India Radio, commented while intervening in the ensuing discussion that the right of a woman for decent and dignified living shall not be compromised with another person’s quest to enjoy his life.
There were comments from the floor indicating that the pseudo morality, particularly with respect to our attitudes of personal relationship between persons of opposite sex, has to undergo total change. Compulsory sex education should be given to students in schools and colleges as part of their curriculum. Healthy and mature cross-sex relationship must be promoted.
Advocate PN Sunitha welcomed the audience and E.Jayasree proposed vote of thanks.
