Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Friday said the commission will soon start a helpline for women in need of counselling.
Addressing the congregation on Day 2 of the international conference on human trafficking, a joint effort by the MSCW and the International Justice Mission, India, Ms. Rahatkar said there are many instances when women need counselling, but isn’t in a position to meet lawyers. She said all organisations must come together to not only combat human trafficking but also prevent it, while urging for steps to educate girls and women who have fallen prey to the menace to make them independent.
A Memoradum of Understanding (MoU) is to be signed between the MSCW and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide counselling and employment to victims of rape, acid attacks and trafficking, while assisting with skill development.
Ms. Rahatkar said the MSCW has also signed an MoU with an association of hotels that have pledged their properties will not be breeding grounds for human trafficking. To curb international trafficking of women and children, she said a meeting is scheduled between the Airports Authority of India, Bureau of Immigration, the State government, Ministry of External Affairs and MSCW.
