Even after we gained Independence, gender discrimination has not changed. Women are still looked down upon as the weaker sex and are lagging behind in various areas due to prevailing social stigmas, said Professor of Centre for Women’s Studies, Andhra University B. Ratnakumari.
All India Students Federation (AISF) organised a meet to help prevent atrocities against women and measures to be adopted for them at Visakha Government Degree College for Women (VGDCW) here on Tuesday. Addressing the students, she said that one should identify the root cause of the atrocities and try to resolve the issue at the ground level. “To control the phenomenal rise in crimes against women, the mindset of men need to be changed. The present education system should impart survival skills and train the students to protect them from the eve-teasers and sex offenders,” she explained. Suggesting the implementation of fast track courts to address the issues within a 10-day period, she told the students to carry a pack of red-chilli powder to use against the offenders if required.
Registrar of Andhra University V. Uma Maheswara Rao said that men should be sensitised on atrocities against women. “More awareness should be created among men to make them respect women. Parents, teachers and educational institutions play a significant role in bringing this revolution,” he explained. About influencing the youth, he said that media should focus more on positive elements rather than exaggerating negative aspects.
Supporting the statement, Registrar of Law University P. Sudhakar said: “The atrocities against women are highly influenced by the obscenity depicted in the media and cinema. It is high time we curb screening them and prompt the young minds from committing such crimes.” Principal of VGDCW Acharyulu, AISF State general secretary Bhayyana, AISF State vice-president M. Srinivas, AISF district secretary K. Ramakrishna and others were present.
