Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Nayi Chetna Campaign Against Gender Violence

The Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the third edition of the national campaign “Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki” in New Delhi on November 25, 2024. This month-long campaign aims to combat gender-based violence across India, focusing on raising awareness, promoting community engagement, and strengthening support systems for victims. 

The campaign is organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development and will run across all States and Union Territories until December 23, 2024.

Launch and Key Figures

• Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the campaign in New Delhi.
• Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, and Ministers of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, attended the event.

Campaign Objectives

• Raise awareness of all forms of gender-based violence.
• Encourage communities to speak out and demand action against violence.
• Provide access to support systems for timely assistance to victims.
• Empower local institutions to act decisively against violence.

Key Components of the Campaign

• The campaign’s slogan: “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf” (Together, One Voice, Against Violence).
• Joint advisory released by key ministers.
• Inauguration of 227 new Gender Resource Centers across 13 states.

Focus on Women Empowerment

• Shri Chouhan emphasized that women empowerment should include social, educational, political, and economic dimensions.
• Highlighted the need for zero tolerance for violence against women.
• Advocated for the death penalty for those convicted of rape.

Government and Ministry Support

• The campaign is a whole-of-government initiative with participation from 9 Ministries and Departments.
• Ministries involved include the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, and others.

Challenges and Focus Areas

• Gender-based violence, including physical, emotional, and online abuse, continues to be a significant issue, particularly in rural India.
• 49% of women in rural India have no control over their income.
• 32% of women feel their opportunities are limited due to gender inequality.

Grassroots Involvement

• The campaign is driven by the Self-Help Group (SHG) network under DAY-NRLM, which empowers women at the grassroots level.
• Focus on urban and rural areas, with particular attention to issues like discrimination, high levels of violence, and unequal workloads.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Personal Contributions

• Shri Chouhan recalled his tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, where he initiated various schemes aimed at women’s development.
• He noted that 90% of rape cases involved acquaintances, emphasizing the need for widespread public awareness.

Support for Women’s Rights

• Ministers like Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani stressed the importance of empowering women, with a particular focus on women’s dignity, security, and freedom.
• Dr. Pemmasani noted that gender-based violence knows no boundaries and affects women globally, with many cases remaining unreported due to fear and stigma.