Bhubaneswar: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar Friday called for greater awareness and collective action to prevent stalking, asserting that respecting women’s choices, consent and dignity is the true expression of strength.
Addressing an awareness workshop on stalking, jointly organised by the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) and the NCW at Rama Devi Women’s University here, Rahatkar described stalking as a serious threat to women’s safety, dignity, mental well-being and freedom to lead an independent life.
Drawing a distinction between reel and real life, she said pursuing a woman against her wishes or attempting to exercise control over her was unacceptable. She urged wom en not to remain silent in the face of such harassment and encouraged them to report incidents promptly to the appropriate authorities.
The workshop deliberated on various forms of stalking, relevant legal provisions, preventive measures, deterrence mechanisms and support systems available to survivors. Rahatkar emphasised that ensuring women’s safety was a collective responsibility involving families, educational institutions, the administration and society at large.
She also urged women and young girls to remain aware of their rights and the legal safeguards available to them. Highlighting institutional support mechanisms, she said women facing harassment could approach the police, including through the provision of Zero FIR, and seek assistance from women police personnel.
She also highlighted legal provisions dealing with cyber crimes, including the creation of fake social media profiles, misuse of photographs and mobile phone hacking. She encouraged women to report such offences without hesitation. NCW deputy director Ramawatar Singh and Rama Devi Women’s University vice-chancellor Jyotsna K B Rout attended the programme.
OSCW member Urmila Mohapatra delivered the vote of thanks. Prativa Satpathy, Kalpana Mallick and Mukta Sahoo were also present.
