Breaking the Silence: Empowering Students to Combat Gender based Violence Against Women

Suparnaa Chadda — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:50:14 +0000

Empowering Future Generations: A Workshop on Combating Violence Against Women

On September 21, 2024, I had the privilege of conducting a transformative workshop at VIT Pune, aimed at combating violence against women. This session marked my second interaction with the talented second-year BTech students at this esteemed institution. My first visit in 2022, as part of an impactful initiative, rolled out in collaboration with JOSH TALKS and their client TVS, involved engaging engineering students across twelve states in India on this crucial topic.

Read about the in-person workshops with VIT Pune

Understanding Gender-Based Violence

At the core of this workshop was a comprehensive understanding of what gender-based violence entails. Participants delved into its various forms, recognized the phases of life where such violence can occur, and discussed effective prevention strategies. We highlighted the importance of understanding these elements and taking action to eradicate this grave societal issue and ensure justice for victims.

A key highlight of the session was the inclusion of insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma, the head of the Special Unit for Women and Child in the Delhi Police. Her instrumental role in cracking the infamous Nirbhaya case provided the students with a real-world perspective on the urgency and complexity of addressing violence against women.

Insights from the Pre-Workshop Survey

Before the workshop, we surveyed 36 participating students to gauge their knowledge of gender-based violence. The results were revealing:

Over half of the respondents (19 out of 36) believed that at least one in every three women faces some form of violence in their lifetime.
About half of the respondents (14) thought that only two out of ten victims ever seek justice.
A similar number (13 respondents) felt that violence against women begins in infancy.

These statistics underscore the pervasive nature of violence and the critical need for ongoing education and awareness on this issue.

A Platform for Inquiry and Inspiration

The hour-long workshop encouraged an open and engaging dialogue among the students, regardless of gender. Their eagerness to ask questions demonstrated a shared commitment to understanding and combating violence against women. Many expressed the need for continued discussions and workshops, highlighting the importance of integrating these conversations into educational settings.

Meet the Facilitator

The session was led by Suparnaa Chadda, widely known as Simply Suparnaa, the founder of the Simply Suparnaa Media Network. A notable UN Women Awardee, Suparnaa has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s rights and empowering communities through education and awareness. Her passion and expertise were pivotal in guiding the workshop, inspiring countless students to become advocates for change. Suparnaa also acknowledges SDG-aligned initiatives through the annual SABERA Awards which includes लैंगिक समानता (Gender Diversity & Inclusion).

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we concluded the workshop, it became clear that knowledge and awareness are the first steps toward making a tangible impact in the fight against violence against women. By instilling these values in young minds, we can foster a generation of leaders who are committed to creating safer environments for all.

This workshop not only educated students but also equipped them with the tools to inspire change in their communities. It’s time to turn awareness into action! For hosting a workshop with your university students write to womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

The post Breaking the Silence: Empowering Students to Combat Gender based Violence Against Women appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Empowering Women: Insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma at SABERA

Suparnaa Chadda — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:16:31 +0000

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.

The post Empowering Women: Insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma at SABERA appeared first on Woman Endangered.

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