New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday took stock of the state commissions and discussed various issues faced by women during the pandemic and steps undertaken to ensure their security and safety.
NCW chief Rekha Sharma while addressing the representatives of 18 state commissions during the second quarterly meeting said, “The women commission did not stop working even for a day during lockdown”.
She also apprised about NCW’s legal awareness programme in collaboration with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) that has been launched in eight states.
Ravuri Suez, Director of Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Women informed that a special help desk was set up during the lockdown where the commission extended assistance to victims of domestic violence and pregnant women in need. It also made arrangements for necessary ration for migrant women in the state.
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While speaking during the virtual quarterly meeting, Dr Binota Meinan, Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for women said that they have been actively taking up cases through Whatsapp, Facebook and official email address during the lockdown.
“The Commission has also set up an investigation team for dealing with cases reported in the pandemic”, she added.
It is worth noting that the Northeast cell of the NCW has been working relentlessly to address issues faced by Northeast women all across the country. Various services have been rendered so far by the special cell in the wake of the nationwide lockdown, particularly in helping the people from the North-Eastern region living in different parts of the country.
The Sikkim State Commission for Women has issued a draft advisory for women and children during the lockdown. As informed by its member Yousa Lachenpa, the commission has been coordinating with other stakeholders such as NGOs for providing help to women in urgent need.
Diki Fanai, representing the Mizoram State Commission for Women, spoke about how they have been battling not just the pandemic but also floods.
“Diki Fanai of the Mizoram State Commission for Women informed that the state has also been braving severe floods and the Commission along with government-appointed clinical psychologists has been facilitating counselling across eastern parts of Mizoram”, the NCW said.
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Revathy, joint director of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women informed that during the lockdown family counselling was conducted and distressed women were relocated to “swadhar greh “ and shelter homes for rehabilitation.
At shelter homes, these women were given skill training to become self-reliant.
Meanwhile, Odisha State Commission Chairperson, Minati Behera apprised that Whatsapp helpline was created for reporting cases in lockdown. Cybercrime cases were processed with the help of the cyber cell. Webinars were conducted with One-stop centres for better coordination and functioning, the NCW said.
Lilaben Ankolia, Chairperson Gujarat State Commission for women highlighted that during the lockdown migrant workers especially women were provided ration kits and that 'Nari adalats' across the state are not resolving cases of women but have also extended financial assistance to them during the pandemic.
NCW has been receiving several tweets and complaints from women in different parts of the country who are falling prey to sexual abuse, domestic violence and other activities, and is in constant touch with states police authority to ensure quick action is taken against the culprits.
