The Hindu : National : Neo-liberal policies blamed for violence

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Sunday, Nov 04, 2007
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Neo-liberal policies blamed for violence

Staff Reporter

Kolkata: Neo-liberal policies were viewed as largely responsible for the increasing violence against women at the 8th National Conference of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association.

Women were being increasingly portrayed as commodities in advertisements in the media, a process that was leading to their growing devaluation manifest in newer and more vicious forms of violence, said S. Sudha, general secretary, AIDWA.

Trafficking in minor girls was another area of concern, she added.

While AIDWA demanded stricter implementation of laws to prevent trafficking, the struggle for a better portrayal of women in the media was more difficult as it had to be waged against social values.

The proper implementation of the Domestic Violence Act; appointment of an independent Protection Officers in view of increasing practice of dowry; and usurping property by branding women witches were also demanded.

Concern was also expressed at the non-implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act that was leading to an alarming decline in the sex ratio.

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