In a significant move to ensure the safety and dignity of women commuters, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has partnered with Akshara Centre, an NGO committed to promoting gender justice, to launch the ‘Jagah Dakhva’ campaign. This initiative, which was inaugurated on August 15th, aims to raise awareness about sexual harassment on state transport buses and encourage passengers to take a stand against such behavior.
Campaign Objectives and Initiatives
- Awareness and Education: The ‘Jagah Dakhva’ campaign is designed to educate both passengers and MSRTC employees about the importance of respecting women during their commute. Informative videos will be shown at every bus station and shared across social media platforms, emphasizing the need to combat sexual harassment on public transport.
- Empowering Women: The campaign encourages women to take the initiative in stopping harassment by showing courage and strength. It also calls on fellow passengers to support women in these situations, creating a collective effort to ensure safety.
- Training for Bus Conductors: MSRTC, in collaboration with Akshara Centre, has provided comprehensive training to bus conductors on how to address harassment cases swiftly and effectively. This training is a crucial part of the campaign, aimed at empowering women and educating them on the steps to take when faced with harassment.
The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Public Transport
A recent survey conducted by an NGO highlighted the alarming prevalence of sexual harassment on public transport:
- Pune: 63% of women reported experiencing harassment on buses, but only 12% reported the incidents to the police.
- Mumbai: A mere 2% of women who experienced harassment on public transport approached the police, with none expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
- Violence on Public Transport: Nearly 70% of women surveyed reported encountering violence on public transport.
The Campaign’s Core Message
The cornerstone of the ‘Jagah Dakhva’ campaign is a series of three powerful videos that aim to empower women, raise awareness about inappropriate behavior, and encourage them to stand up against any form of harassment. These videos, filled with essential information and practical advice, are set to make a significant impact in changing societal attitudes towards sexual misconduct on public transport.
MSRTC’s Commitment to Passenger Safety
MSRTC operates around 15,000 buses daily, serving over 50 lakh passengers across Maharashtra, including approximately 44,000 villages and neighboring states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Karnataka. The ‘Jagah Dakhva’ campaign is a testament to MSRTC’s commitment to ensuring that all passengers, especially women, can travel safely and with dignity.
A Call to Action
Snehal Velkar of Akshara Centre summarized the campaign’s message: “The #JagahDakhva Campaign conveys a straightforward and important message to everyone using public bus transport: ‘Aata jeva karel koni ched chaad, tyana sarvan samor aana tyana tyanchi Jagah Dakhva’ (Now, when anyone harasses someone, bring them forward and show them their place).”
This collaborative effort between MSRTC and Akshara Centre marks a crucial step towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for women on public transport in Maharashtra.
Source : freepressjournal
