Ab To Jago Campaign 2010
Family Planning Association India, Lucknow Branch supported the ‘AB TOH JAAGO’ campaign of Sahyog by organizing sessions and programmes in the community. As the 16 days activism was going on the information pertaining to Domestic Violence, rights of women, PWDV Act and Youth Policy’ was disseminated. Posters, pamphlets etc were also distributed. There were two blocks i.e. Bakshi Ka Talaab and Sarojini Nagar where the sessions were conducted and efforts were made in order to aware mass population especially the youth. It was found that even though there are various policies and Acts made for the protection of women and youth still they are not aware of them. Certain activities that were included:-
· On 29-11-10 FPA India, Lucknow Branch participated in the Saas Bahu Samelan organized by C.M.O. Kanpur. During the Samelan youth volunteer of FPA India Lucknow Branch distributed pamphlets of Ab Toh Jaago campaign. The stake holders like Asha workers and A.W.W. were given the posters.
· On 9-12-10 a session was organized in the community of Badholi. There were 13 girls and 5 parents (female) who participated and came to know what this Act is, when was it made, who all can lodge a complain under it etc. Under Domestic violence types of violence included physical (to beat someone, or harm physically etc), sexual (to rape, molestation etc), verbal or psychological (abusing, not letting one to work or got out etc) and economically (not giving adequate money for household and personal expenses etc). PWDV Act is covered under the civil law. Woman and boys under the age of 18 comes under it.
Points on which clarification was given and taken up for discussion included the following:-
· Domestic violence includes only when husband beats his wife?
· Domestic violence is a personal issue and outsiders should not interfere in it?
· Giving 1 slap is not violence?
· If a father beat his daughter for her betterment and bright future is correct or not?
· Domestic violence is seen only in low and middle class family?
· If a woman lodges complain under PWDV Act then atmosphere at home would be disturbed and it would affect the children ?
· If a woman lodges a complain under this Act the accused would be sent to jail?
· Whom to complain?
· Procedure for lodging the complain?
· Who can be considered as the accused?
It was found that there were two survivors amongst the participants and through telephonic counseling around 3 cases of domestic violence were registered separately, they asked for further help and assistance from FPAI.
· On 9-12-10 Session was organized in the community bhauli There were 23 girls and 7 parents (female) who participated and came to know what this Act is Points on which clarification was given and taken up for discussion included the following:-
· Does Domestic violence includes cases where husband beats his wife?
· Is Domestic violence a personal issue and outsiders should not interfere in it?
· Is giving 1 slap not violence?
· If a father beat his daughter for her betterment and bright future is correct or not?
· Domestic violence is seen only in low and middle class family?
· If a woman lodges complain under PWDV Act then atmosphere at home would be disturbed and it would affect the children?
· If a woman lodges a complain under this Act the accused would be sent to jail?
During the discussion effort were made to find out the point of view of the participants i.e. to let them speak what they think about the rights of women, are they satisfied that such Act for the protection of women must exist if yes then will they complain or raise up their voice if they see such violence happening in their surrounding.