Former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice G. Rohini has said that physical and sexual violence, which manifests the systematic violation of the right of women to live a life of human dignity, can be stated as the major challenge to women development and empowerment.
Delivering the Burugula Ramakrishna Rao Memorial Lecture at Osmania University on Saturday, Justice Rohini said, “The constant fear of violence plays a dominant role in determining the status of women in the society and standard of their life.”
She expressed concern over media reports which reflects the vulnerability of working women to physical and sexual violence ranging from eve teasing and stalking to molestation, rape, kidnapping, trafficking and acid attacks. The victims of all these crimes are subjected to not only physical violence but also unbearable mental torture and emotional distress, he observed.
Justice Rohini said sexual harassment at the workplace is yet another form of violation of the right of women to capacity building and to lead a life of their choice. The threat of professional victimisation coupled with fear of stigma impact the capacity of women to excel at work and reach top positions.
Can their right to develop on par with the men be curtailed in view of the fear and threat of violence is the question that needs to be addressed not only by the State but also by every responsible member of society, she remarked.
Stating that ‘women empowerment’ has in recent times become one of the most widely used development terms and referred to by women’s groups, NGOs, politicians and international agencies as one of their goals, Justice Rohini wondered how the empowerment is to be measured or assessed. She raised serious doubt over whether education and financial independence could be taken as indicators of women empowerment.
University dean Naidu Ashok, Principal of Arts College Ravinder and Dr. Burugula Ramakrishna Rao Foundation chairman Babu Rao Verma were present.
Article Credit: The Hindu