Alcohol is biggest threat to Women & Children Security : Agenda for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections

Women Security:

Agenda for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections
Shivi Development Society organized a meeting on Women Security: Agenda for 2019 Lok Sabha elections on 16th February 2019 at Indian Social Institute Delhi  Mr. Narender Kumar spoke about the purpose of the meeting. After a detailed introduction and discussion was open for all the participants. Participants from different organizations shared their views on the issue. 

 Mr.Vatsyayan, Chairperson of Nada India explained in details about meaning of Security & Safety and how interchangeable we use these two distinct words "Security Is Protection Against Intentional Acts And Safety Is Protection Against Accidental Events“

We want less violence, safer cities etc… more happy  and healthy cities

BUT we do not connect it with alcohol policies (No “Indian Alcohol Policy” exist) and the support for alcohol policies would turn out to be low, you can make a case, that not the policies are wrong, but the awareness is rather low. When the awareness is high but the support for policies is low, then other measures need to be taken. IOGT International   President Kristina Sperkova.

     Orange the world: end violence against women and girls.” Awareness of alcohol harm and alcohol policy measures can play a powerful role in helping to end gender-based violence.

Evidence shows that alcohol is a major risk factor for violence against women.

The Sustainable Development Goals address alcohol in Goal 3, target 3.5. The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health 2016-2030 addresses alcohol policy, namely in recommending alcohol taxation to mobilize sufficient and sustainable resources.

Some facts 

• Up to 80% of violence against women and girls can be alcohol related.
• In the United Kingdom, 88% of cases of domestic violence involving dual perpetration are alcohol related.
• In Argentina, 68% of cases of domestic violence are alcohol related.
• Focus group discussions in rural Rwanda regularly rank alcohol as number one risk factor fueling domestic violence.
• About 65% of women experiencing intimate partner violence in countries like South Africa, India, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe report alcohol use by the perpetrator.
• In Brazil, 70% of cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) are alcohol related.
• Alcohol fueled violence and harassment make public space unsafe for women and girls. Car O Bar, Juice shops 

SAFER is a WHO High impact initiative to reduce death, disease &injuries caused by the harmful use of alcohol 

S Strengthen restrictions on alcohol availability 

A Advance and enforce drink driving counter measures...

F Facilitate access to screening, brief interventions and treatment 

E Enforce bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion 

R Raise prices on alcohol through excise taxes and pricing policies

Women Security and use of alcohol .

Drug Demand and Alcohol reduction policy 

Safer places demand strict regulation of alcohol abuse and there should be high taxes on alcohol.

Both Safety and security are important, however it should be led by the intention of safety, security should lead to excessive protection amounting to surveillance. There is a need for more safe and liveable (physical and psycho-logical) shelter homes.

                                                                                                       

Points of Discussion:

v  Safety Audit- how to create safe public spaces, public services usage.

v  Drug Demand and Alcohol reduction policy

v   Gender Budgeting- The share of women budget is gradually coming down since 2009-10, there is a deficit in utilization e.g. not even a rupee was spent to Nirbhaya Fund.

v  Composite schemes like ICDS do not necessarily lead to women empowerment. There is a need of targeted approach to women empowerment such as minority women, Dalit and adivasi.

v  Safer places demand strict regulation of alcohol abuse and there should be high taxes on alcohol.

v  Both Safety and security are important, however it should be led by the intention of safety, security should lead to excessive protection amounting to surveillance.

v  33 percent reservation bill and other bills are pending before parliament and it is suggested that there should be a policy on single mother also.

v  Comprehensive review and amendment of FCRA –Renewal, quarterly reporting, receipt, negative activity list needs simplification.

v  Study in 6 district of South Chhattisgarh- survey of 140 women (all Married), Access to health care, education, access to justice, work environment, property and entitlement.

  

Suggestions:

v  It is important to work with men and boys to address women security

v  The funds that are allotted to Women budget should be spent for the same purpose instead of diverting to other ministries.

v  There is a need for more safe and liveable (physical and psycho-logical) shelter homes.

v  Regularization of certain services like cadre of Asha workers, ICDS workers and this requires a significant increase health budget also. 

v  There should be availability of basic amenities at work place such as sanitation and water.

v  To ensure MNREGA payment are made on time.

v  Instruments and system of justice delivery needs to be revamped and gender sensitive.

v  There is a need of facilitative environment for rights at home, school and community as well.

v  Strict and complete implementation of women desk within Police stations and investigation agencies.

Name of participants 

Narender Kumar IPAC/ SDS

Hanuman Sahay Sharma

SDS

Kiran Malik

Department of women & child development

Kritika Parashar

SDS

Suneel Vatsyayan

Nada India, 

Sarita Balooni

JAGORI, 

Rekha Chauhan

MSS, Varanasi

Pradeep Panda

VYK, Vishaw Yuva Kendera 

Rekha Chatterjee

Prayatn, 

Mahadev Regar

SSS,

Rashmi Verma

Noida International University, 

Dr. Archana Sinha

Indian social institute

Jayesh Joshi

VAAGDHARA

Annkita

SDS 

G. Rasool