Hundreds of people from various fields assembled and formed a human chain from Master Canteen Square to the lower PMG here on Thursday in protest against violence against women with disabilities.
The human chain, under the banner of the Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre (SMRC), was formed by representatives from Disabled People Organisations (DPOs), NAWO, AIDWA, Third Gender Welfare Trust and students of the NISWASS College, BJB College, RD University and Utkal University.
Carrying placards with ribbons and banners, the participants expressed solidarity with women with disabilities. “Such women face many difficulties and discrimination in the society. They are tortured both physically and mentally, exposed to sexual exploitation, domestic and institutional violence and lack of reproductive and other healthcare,” lamented SMRC executive vice-president Prof Asha Hans.
later, a seven-member team went to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and submitted a memorandum. The demands included preparation of a guideline by the WCD Department and the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on dealing with issues of women with disabilities, setting up of a special fund for such women affected by violence and awareness campaigns to end violence against these women.
Besides, the body also demanded that the Government advise departments like Home, Education, WCD, Health and Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to include women with disabilities in their data bases.