The International Day for the elimination of violence against women was conducted by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the University on the 25th November, 2022 at the Seminar Hall of the School of Management Studies.

Welcoming the faculty, officers and the students of the university, Prof. V. Sita, the Presiding officer, ICC, UoH, said the United Nations has officially designated 25th November as the International Day for the elimination of violence against women and invited Governments, International organizations and NGOs to join together and organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the issue every year. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the different forms of violence that women face in addition to the physical, psychological and the sexual violence against women, which are discussed by every agency/ speaker, requesting the speakers to throw light on the subject.

Two speakers, who contributed to the cause of women immensely, were invited by the ICC to address the issue. Dr. Kiranmai Devineni, representing Dheera, a Doctors’ Collective, addressed the gathering. She said about 30% women globally experience physical and sexual violence, mostly at the hands of their partner and added that  such violence starts alarmingly at an early age with adolescent girls. She said health impacts can last a lifetime, as the violence affects physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. She called upon for an understanding, advocating and monitoring the progress of the prevention and response of all sections of society towards the ending of the violence, which is increasing day by day, despite programs and laws in this direction. She also enlightened all the participants about the activities of Dheera.

Ms. Satyavati Kondaveeti, representing Bhumika, a Women’s Collective, said that their organization empowers and supports women / adolescents from unprivileged section of society to live life of dignity and justice. She highlighted the activities that they undertake and enlightened the audience on the ground realities of women in India. Citing the laws that are available for women, she lamented that women do not come forward to report violence in the first instance and added to that, she said the laws do not come to the rescue of women pointing to the flaws in their implementation. She asserted that it is the duty of everyone to contribute to societal peace and safeguard women against violence. She urged everyone to spread awareness about the issue and the help  extended by the Sakhi centers in Telangana. The program ended with a vote of thanks to the speakers and the invitees.