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Women should have guts to face challenges, says Manjula Manasa

While the need of the hour is to have a panel, consisting of an NGO, advocate and police, to do counselling for women victims, coming from various districts - Manjula Manasa, chairperson, KSCW has other immediate concerns.

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Women from all over the state come to Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW) seeking help in distress but the body is grappling with shortage of infrastructure. Till date, KSCW has received 2,474 complaints out of which only 224 complaints have been solved. 2,250 complaints remain under various stages of investigation.

While the need of the hour is to have a panel, consisting of an NGO, advocate and police, to do counselling for women victims, coming from various districts - Manjula Manasa, chairperson, KSCW has other immediate concerns.

In a brief interview with iamin, she talks about the shortage of staff as well as the lack of cooperation from the police in filing cases against the accused as well as in escorting her while she is on tour.

What are the issues at KSCW that need immediate attention?
We need at least 20 more full-time employees. We badly need a panel that can counsel the victims who come to us from various districts. I have already sent a proposal to the state government with respect to this. I want the panel to have members of an NGO working for women, a woman advocate and retired or serving woman police constable on the panel. This will help us to solve many of the complaints at the counselling stage itself.

You visited Namma Metro Stations in the city when someone had complained on the lack of toilets for women. Have you made any suggestions?
It is quite disgusting to see women struggle to get access to basics like sanitation facilities at Namma Metro stations in the city. I have advised the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) officials to construct sufficient number of toilets for women at the Namma Metro stations. I have even suggested that the Public Works Department (PWD) makes construction of toilets mandatory at every government building.

Do you get help from the police when you go on tour to different districts?
I am not happy with the non-cooperation of the police department. I want a few policemen to accompany me when I tour different districts following complaints by the victims. Sometimes, the people turn against me for supporting the victims. So if police is with me, it will be of great help. There were occasions where I had to visit remote areas. I badly needed police escort while visiting such areas to avoid any untoward incidents and also to ensure my own safety.

What type of complaints do you receive mostly?
Most of the complaints are related to domestic violence and sexual harassment at work places. There are around 20 complaints from women employees working at software companies in Bangalore.

What is your message to women?
I want to advise women to be determined and stand up for themselves. They should not depend on others for their security and safety. They should have the guts to challenge the problem at hand and lead a dignified life.

For the longer version of the report, click here

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