“There seems to be an alarming rise in domestic violence in Kerala, even though women in the State are said to be empowered,” said K.K. Shylaja, Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
Inaugurating a State-level seminar on ‘Laws for protection of women from domestic violence (under the PWDA Act 2005)’ here on Sunday, she said a change would be possible provided society gets rid of its conservative mindset.
“Society continues to be in the grip of a feudal mindset along with the exploitative capitalist norms. There is only a facade of change, and it keeps on clashing with a conservative mindset. These truths have to be kept in mind while implementing rules against domestic violence,” the Minister said at the event organised by the State Social Welfare Board.
She added that the ideal situation would be that women should be able to work and contribute to society.
Ms. Shylaja said women protection officers would be appointed soon in all districts. Besides, one-stop crisis centres will be set up in four districts using central funds. The centres will be set up in another two years at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh. In the next phase, the rest of the districts will have such centres. Medical help, police protection, and short stay are among the facilities to be offered at the centres. Victims of physical or sexual harassment will be provided shelter at the centres where they can give statements to the police.
Creches to be opened
The Minister said the Social Justice Department would open creches to cater for the children of migrant labourers.
Speaking on ‘Women’s control over PWDA laws’, gender advisor T.K. Anandi said women’s share in the workforce was less than the national average. “Around 78% of girls go for higher education, and the life expectancy of women is higher too. However, despite such good signals, there is a 5% increase in cases of domestic violence in the State,” she said. “There is little freedom for women to take decisions. In this regard, women in Kerala stand below those in Bihar. Moreover, the dependency ratio of women in the State is more,” she added. Ms. Anandi said gender sensitisation was necessary in the police, judiciary, and the medical fraternity.
Ms. Shylaja published a short notice created by the District Women Protection Office at the function. Kerala Judicial Academy Deputy Director and Sub-Judge V.P.M. Suresh Babu and Dr. Sebastian Paul also spoke.
Kerala State Social Welfare Board Chairperson Dr. Khamarunnisa Anwar presided over the function. Hibi Eden, MLA; Kerala State Social Welfare Board Secretary P.N. Padmakumar; Karnataka State Welfare Board Chairperson T. Venkatalakshmi Basavalingaraju, and Pondichery State Welfare Board Chairperson B. Revathy participated.
