Srinagar: Perhaps for the first time in Kashmir, a local NGO Monday organized a ‘self defence’ camp for teenage girls. The recent incidents of violence against women, both at home as well as workplace, seems to have triggered the move. The reports of vagabonds stalking girls during picnics has also caused unrest in the society.
” This training would help females evolve the awareness and gain confidence so that she is able to handle daily life situations,” said Roma Wani, who runs Inner Call, a group promoting awareness regarding various life aspects including gender issues.
“The Inner Call, forum for Evolution, Development and Awareness introduced self defence training for girls. Chairperson, The Inner Call, Roma Wani inaugurated the programme and said that The Inner Call has made special provisions for training girls in order to combat violence against women,” said a statement issued Monday.
The training programme, the organizers said, “will not only ensure their security but at the same time will boost the morale of girls to grow as equals in society. The training is imparted with sessions on Mental Strength, Physical Action, Importance of element of surprise and also Mediation”
Secretary, The Inner Call, Affan Yesvi informed that the trainer is one of the best and this skill and technique would not only empower girls but would foster a culture of self- esteem. The three day training of one and half hours daily is also being imparted in the form of a one day intensive training of three hours. This programme is being conducted across India under the banner Safe Girls.
The violence against women has seen a steep rise over past years. In the beginning of the year in February a case of sexual assault was filed against the former state health minister Shabir Ahmad Khan after a female medico accused the minister of attempting to molest her. The incident resulted in a huge hue and cry from the entire valley. Ultimately the minister had to resign and appeared in a police station.
Recently in a horrific incident in south Kashmir, a minor girls ear was chopped off by five youth after she resisted the molestation bid. This incident occurred when the girl student was returning home from picnic and she was stalked and attacked by the goons on her way to home. The incident resulted in protests particularly by the students.
Recently a nurse from south Kashmir alleged molestation by some officers of the health department including the director health services Kashmir. In this regard a case of sexual assault was registered in Police Station Shaheedganj against Director Health Services Kashmir, Chief Medical Officer Anantnag and Block Medical Officer Saller Anantnag.
The incidents of violence against women did not end here. In June this year a 48-year-old teacher was arrested in South Kashmir after a class 12 minor girl student accused him of molesting her during a school picnic.
According to police the girl student was on a school picnic to Pahalgam when the teacher allegedly harassed her. People from all the sections of the society have been strongly condemning these heinous acts and demanding stern action against the culprits.
Noted sociologist Prof B A Dabla says the change in the role of women is responsible for the violence against them. There is now a marked contrast in the role that a Kashmiri woman played in society in older times and the role she is playing now. For past many years the entire scenario has undergone a change and the role of a woman has now been developed outside her home. A sort of contradiction is going on between her role and the role played by men which has ultimately resulted in the violence against our women folk, he said.
Prof Dabla believes that people need to think with a broader social perspective and men have to compromise and accept the role women have adopted and respect their career choices and economic aspiration.
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