Yuva’s Annual Rethink Event Focuses on Sexual Violence and Safety

Panelists Discuss Rising Sexual Violence and Responsibility for Safety at Workplace and Schools

Key Points:

– District-level Rethink event organized by YUVA and Women Gaining Ground.

– Discussion on sexual violence and safety responsibilities at workplaces and schools.

– Legal gaps and future strategies discussed by various panelists and participants.

JAMSHEDPUR – A district-level annual event titled "Rethink" was organized by Youth Unity for Voluntary Action (YUVA) and Women Gaining Ground, Kriya, focusing on the increasing sexual violence in various sectors and the responsibility for safety.

The event saw participation from both government and non-government organizations.

Varnali Chakraborty, the Secretary of YUVA, welcomed the attendees and explained the objectives of the Rethink initiative.

The discussion centered on sexual violence in workplaces, schools, colleges, media, and politics, with a focus on who is responsible for ensuring safety.

Panelists such as senior journalist and editor Annie Amrita, Arun Kumar Singh, president of Jharkhand Viklang Manch, and advocate Preeti Murmu of the District Legal Services Authority, shared their insights.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Rawani, Assistant Professor at Cooperative College, along with other experts, also addressed the gaps in legal policies and procedures regarding sexual violence.

Prabha Jaiswal, a member of the District POSCO committee, and Aparna Guha, a political and social activist, emphasized the need for organized advocacy to address the gaps in government policies and the lack of active support services.

The event also included participation from social organizations, young girls from Potka, differently-abled individuals, and youth leaders like Gudia Nayak and Aparna Bajpai, who shared their views on the issue.

The participants agreed on a future strategy to advocate collectively for more effective implementation of government policies and to address the identified gaps.