Women’s Solidarity Group
The Women’s Solidarity Group, Coimbatore, an organisation of like-minded individuals working for the cause of women, has urged the Government to appoint full-time protection officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (PWDV) Act 2005. Though the Act has long been passed, very few women report cases of violence and abuse. Some are not even aware of women’s welfare organisations, says Bagirathi Ramanathan, founder president of the Women’s Solidarity Group. The appointment of protection officers would motivate more women to speak out their problems, she adds.The group invites women doctors, lawyers and professionals to join their cause
Formed recently to strengthen the campaign against domestic violence and restore women’s fundamental rights, the group would accept petitions from victims and seek immediate action from the concerned authorities, she says. Recently a 26-year old girl from Coonoor sought help from the Women’s Solidarity Group to claim her marriage certificate. Owing to pressure from her family, she was forced into marriage.
After the wedding, she realised her spouse had mental disability. She also learnt that he had been under treatment for the last 14 years. However, the boy’s family refused to give her the marriage certificate when she demanded it. And now, she has no document as legal evidence for the marriage. The Group is looking into the case and will see to it that the girl is granted justice, Ms. Ramanathan asserts.
The need for women to come out with their problems has acquired more importance, especially with medico-legal problems on the rise, she observes. “A lot of women are forced to undergo foeticide. Such instances will never be brought to light until they are reported.” The group invites women doctors, lawyers and professionals to join their cause. The group can be contacted at 0422-2550794 / 98945-99186.
26.03.2008
