IPS Chhaya Sharma’s words resonate powerfully, echoing the depths of her experiences, as the guest of Honour at the 6th edition of SABERA. Sharma, known for cracking the infamous Nirbhaya case, shed light on crucial issues often overlooked in society while acknowledging SABERA, as a platform that amplifies the voices of the silent workers including and celebrates those often overlooked, and the remarkable efforts in forging collaborations.
During her address, Sharma underscored the essence of empowerment, with economic enablement. Yet, she stressed that mere job opportunities are insufficient. For women, acceptance within male-dominated forces remains a significant challenge, compounded by issues like access to basic facilities and balancing familial responsibilities.
The discussion extended to gender mainstreaming, where Sharma passionately advocated for decision-making power for women. She highlighted the stark reality of unsafe spaces, citing alarming statistics where 95% of rapes occur at the hands of known perpetrators. The perpetrators, often shielded by familial ties, evade justice, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.
Sharma’s insights challenge prevailing narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on women’s safety and inclusion. She commended SABERA’s efforts to confront uncomfortable truths and foster dialogue beyond sensationalized media portrayals.
Moreover, Sharma emphasized the pivotal role of supportive men, advocating for inclusivity. She urged for a societal shift towards creating environments where women can thrive without fear, or men being endangered with their empowerment, thereby truly enabling the nation.
IPS Chhaya Sharma’s address at SABERA’s 6th edition stands as a testament to her distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment. As the proud recipient of two Special Duty Medals for her services in remote and insurgency-affected areas in the northeast of India, and the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Her recent accolades, include the Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation by the Government of India.
IPS Chhaya Sharma’s insights at SABERA’s event serve as a reminder of the transformative power of individuals dedicated to creating positive change in society. Her remarkable achievements inspire us to strive for a world where justice, empowerment, and inclusivity prevail.
Suparnaa Chadda
A mother, a daughter, a sister, a lover, a friend, a mentor, an author, an aspiring artiste, a spiritual enthusiast and a whole lot of things wrapped into this being, lets call her Simply Suparnaa.
