Empowering women through legal awareness

The State women’s commission tutored girl students of various city colleges, among women from the margins, here on Tuesday.

The daylong seminar was organised in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi. Sessions highlighted women’s rights as lectures centered on legislation that ensure their safety and security.

The Centre’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was also discussed as part of an awareness drive to end gender-based discrimination.

Speaking at the meeting, State women’s commission chairperson Tripurana Venkataratanam said, “Dowry-related violence, domestic violence, child abuse and eve-teasing are rampant even in this modern age. Women, especially the younger ones, should be legally empowered to tackle those forms of discrimination. Our justice system provides for women’s safety and security.”

Legal awareness is a essential to safeguard rights of women, she added and stressed that education is important for girls because it gives them a chance to lead dignified lives. The seminar showcased the functions of an independent judiciary. “The NCW and state commissions are also empowered legally to arbitrate in cases relating to women’s rights. The commission has been actively supporting legal rights of women and even providing them with counsel,” Ms. Venkataratnam said, as she encouraged women to participate in judicial activism.

Legal experts of the commission also explained basics of criminal legal system including difference between cognisable and non-cognisable, bailable and non-bailable offences and civil and criminal cases, among others. The seminar explained in detail the processes like filing a police complaint and what goes into an FIR and a chargesheet. The women’s commission chairperson urged women to opt for legal support immediately in case of any harassment.