National Commission for Women redresses 109 grievances on Day One of public hearing

Bengaluru: The National Commission for Women (NCW), along with the state department of women and child development, kicked off the two-day ‘Rashtriya Mahila Aayog- Aapke Dwar’ (NCW at Your Doorstep) public hearing or Mahila Jan Sunwai here on Monday. The event aims to provide speedy, on-the-spot resolution for women’s grievances from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Tumakuru districts.

Presiding over the inaugural session, NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar affirmed the Commission’s commitment to women’s safety, respect and empowerment. Pointing to difficulties women faced in reaching NCW headquarters, Vijaya said, “We decided to come to their doorsteps. We will not conduct this public hearing only in the capital; we will conduct it at divisional level too”. 

The commission brought 292 registered cases to the hearing, with problems ranging from domestic violence to sexual harassment being heard. On Monday alone, 109 cases were heard by the full commission, which was present to handle various forums simultaneously. Vijaya acknowledged the role of the police, thanking them for their “excellent cooperation”.

Vijaya is on a three-day visit to hold review meetings with senior administrative and police officers. Beyond grievance redressal, NCW is also promoting digital empowerment through YASHODA AI programme for women, besides hosting ‘Campus Calling’ programme to raise gender sensitivity among youngsters.

State women commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh and other senior officials were present. NCW urged women in and around Bengaluru to participate in the ongoing hearing and utilise the opportunity for direct redressal.