National Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

The Government of India is launching national campaign titled “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” on November 25. This initiative aims to eliminate gender-based violence across the country. It is a collaboration between the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, supported by UN Women. The campaign coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10. This period includes International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Human Rights Day.

Campaign Objectives

The primary goal of the campaign is to mobilise public awareness and action against gender-based violence. It seeks to engage citizens, government officials, and key stakeholders. The campaign aims to create a zero-tolerance attitude towards violence against women and girls. It encourages individuals to take responsibility and pledge against such violence.

Key Events

The campaign will be officially launched at Rang Bhawan, All India Radio in New Delhi. Union Minister Annpurna Devi will lead the event, alongside other prominent officials. A film titled “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” will be revealed, denoting the necessity for accountability in addressing gender-based violence. The film aims to motivate citizens to join the fight against this critical issue.

Global Context

The campaign aligns with the United Nations’ global initiative “No Excuse,” which emphasises the urgent need to combat violence against women. The campaign’s timing is strategic, as it coincides with international activism efforts that seek to revitalise commitments and enhance accountability.

Significance of the Campaign

This campaign is crucial in raising awareness about the alarming rates of violence against women in India. It serves as a platform for dialogue and action. By involving various stakeholders, the campaign aims to encourage a collective responsibility towards ending gender-based violence.

Future Directions

The success of “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” will depend on sustained engagement from all sectors of society. Future initiatives may include educational programmes, workshops, and community outreach to reinforce the message. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will be essential to measure the campaign’s impact.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of government initiatives in combating gender-based violence in India.
2. What are the implications of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign on national policies regarding women’s rights?
3. Estimate the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns in reducing gender-based violence in society.
4. With suitable examples, point out the challenges faced in implementing gender equality laws in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of government initiatives in combating gender-based violence in India.

1. Government initiatives, like “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi,” aim to raise awareness and mobilize public action against gender-based violence.
2. Collaboration between various ministries (Women and Child Development, Rural Development) enhances resource allocation and outreach.
3. Support from international organizations like UN Women provides additional expertise and credibility to initiatives.
4. Legislation such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act strengthens legal frameworks against gender-based violence.
5. Public campaigns encourage a culture of accountability, encouraging citizens to take personal responsibility in combating violence.

2. What are the implications of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign on national policies regarding women’s rights?

1. The campaign aligns national policies with global standards, promoting a unified approach to women’s rights and gender equality.
2. It raises awareness of women’s issues, encouraging governments to prioritize legislative reforms and protective measures.
3. National participation in the campaign can lead to increased funding and resources dedicated to women’s rights initiatives.
4. It encourages collaboration between civil society and government, enhancing advocacy efforts for policy changes.
5. The campaign marks the need for data collection and monitoring to assess the effectiveness of policies on women’s rights.

3. Estimate the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns in reducing gender-based violence in society.

1. Public awareness campaigns can change societal attitudes towards gender-based violence, promoting zero tolerance.
2. They educate communities about rights and available resources, empowering victims to seek help.
3. Campaigns often lead to increased reporting of incidents, indicating a shift towards accountability.
4. Effectiveness can be measured through surveys assessing changes in public perception and behavior over time.
5. Long-term impact requires sustained efforts, including follow-up initiatives and community engagement to maintain awareness.

4. With suitable examples, point out the challenges faced in implementing gender equality laws in India.

1. Societal norms and cultural attitudes often resist changes brought by gender equality laws, hindering implementation.
2. Lack of awareness about legal rights among women limits their ability to utilize existing laws effectively.
3. Insufficient resources and training for law enforcement can lead to inadequate enforcement of gender equality laws.
4. Case backlog in courts and slow judicial processes deter victims from seeking justice, as seen in many domestic violence cases.
5. Political will may wane over time, resulting in inconsistent support for gender equality initiatives and laws.