Ability to run the house.....

....The scene of women power is changing rapidly

India: Better employment hopes for 16 lakh women in Tamil Nadu

16 lakh women are expected to benefit under the World Bank Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Security (WESAFE) programme.

Country and World: 3 July 2025: (Media Link32//Source courtesy of United Nations)::

Under the World Bank Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Security (WESAFE) program, 16 lakh women are expected to get benefits.

Whether it is home or country or world, it is women who make it beautiful and worth living. It is their understanding and courage that makes a successful life. Women have silently written the history of success. The United Nations often brings their true stories to the fore. One more story has come to light. This story is from Tamil Nadu. There, better and new hopes of employment have emerged for 16 lakh women, which will brighten the future of countless families.

Though the situation is changing all over the world. Men used to dominate the household. Because of this, it was natural for ego to come in their minds. Due to this, it was understood that women do not have the capability to run a household that men have. But this situation is changing rapidly in the last few decades. Women have proved that they are no less than anyone else. As far as India is concerned, this change is being seen rapidly in our country as well. The central and state governments are also active in this direction. 16 lakh women are expected to benefit under the Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Security (WESAFE) program.

With the active support of the World Bank, 16 lakh women are now fully expected to get direct benefits under the Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Security (WESAFE) program. It seems as if success is standing at their doorstep.

In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, about 16 lakh women now have strong hopes of getting quality employment. This seems possible thanks to an initiative of the World Bank. The Washington-based Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved a new program aimed at increasing women's labor participation in Tamil Nadu.

The name of this initiative is Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Safety (WESAFE) which is very popular now.

In Tamil Nadu, which is rapidly moving towards urbanization, new opportunities are also emerging in sectors like electronics and automobile.

Tamil Nadu has the highest rate of female labor participation in the country and the state has been a pioneer in setting standards for the safety of working women.

Still, the female participation rate remains 32 percentage points lower than that of men. Also, most women are employed in the agricultural sector or in low-paid informal work.

The Tamil Nadu government has set a target of becoming a trillion dollar economy by the year 2030. To achieve this, it is very important to increase the female labor participation.

Keeping this in mind, under the WESAFE program, 6 lakh women will be provided skill training and career support, and 18 thousand women entrepreneurs will be provided incubation support to start a business.

Women Empowerment

The World Bank has previously supported the Tamil Nadu government in setting up several safe hostels.

This new initiative will expand these facilities to include crèches, elderly care, safe transportation options, and support centers to facilitate reporting of harassment and abuse against women.

"Through skills development, financial access, and access to support services such as crèches, safe hostels, and transportation, the program will empower women to participate in the workforce and contribute to Tamil Nadu's goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy," said August Tano Kueme, World Bank India Country Manager.

The program will strengthen Tamil Nadu's capacity, technical partnerships, and institutional structures.

Muderis Abdulahi Mohammed and Pradyumna Bhattacharya, who are leading the programme, said, “The programme will also encourage partnerships with industry associations, leading institutions and private organisations to improve the quality and availability of housing and transport for women employees, students and women entrepreneurs.”

In addition, a state-level platform with private equity participation will help women gain access to financial products such as credit guarantee funds and micro-grants and raise awareness among them.

The $150 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for the programme has a tenure of 25 years, including a 5-year grace period.

SHe-Box portal recently launched

From Ministry of Women and Child Development Posted On: 29 November 2024 at 4:21 PM by PIB Delhi

The Act has enough provisions to deal with the matter

It is developed per the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013

The portal is designed to serve as a central repository for ICs and LCs at State/ UT administration-level workplaces as well as workplaces in private sector

New Delhi: 29th November 2024:(PIB Delhi//The Women Screen Desk)::

Safety and security of women in the country is of utmost priority for the Government. Keeping this in view, the Government has enacted “the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” (SHe Act) to provide protection to women against sexual harassment at the workplace and for the prevention and redressal of complaints related to it. 

The Act covers all women, irrespective of their age, employment status or nature of work, whether working in public or private, organised or unorganised sector and whether in rural and urban areas. The Act casts a legal obligation upon employers of all workplaces, public or private, to provide a safe and secure working environment free from sexual harassment, whereby every employer is mandated to constitute an Internal Committee (IC) wherever the number of employees/workers is more than 10. Similarly, the Appropriate Government is authorized to constitute Local Committee (LC) in every district to receive complaints from organizations having less than ten workers or if the complaint is against the employer himself/herself. 

The Act has enough provisions to deal with various aspects of the matter including penal provisions for those who violate the provisions of the Act including for the employers. Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) being the Nodal Ministry, issues advisories to all Central Ministries /Departments and State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations from time to time for effective implementation of the Act and to organize workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals for sensitizing the employers and employees.

As per the provisions of the Act, the appropriate government has been mandated to maintain the data of number of complaints received and disposed of. Till recently, there was no central database for maintaining the data on number of ICs and LCs as well as number of complaints filed and disposed of. Hence, being the Nodal Ministry, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched SHe-Box recently. The complaint registration feature in the She-Box went live on October 19, 2024, after a majority of Central Ministries and Departments onboarded the portal. Since then, the portal has received 9 complaints. The portal has been designed to serve as a central repository for ICs and LCs at various State/ UT administration level workplaces as well as workplaces in private sector, once they on-board the portal.

The SHe-Box portal has been developed in accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the time prescribed for inquiry under the Act is 90 days.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Lok Sabha in reply to a question today.

*****//SS/MS//(Release ID: 2079040) 

Union Minister Launches SHe-Box Portal

Posted On>Monday 02nd September 2024 at 12:06 PM //Ministry of Women and Child Development//PIB

Revolutionizing Workplace Safety for Women's Empowerment 

New Delhi: 02nd September 2024:(PIB//The Women Screen Desk)::

In a landmark move to enhance workplace safety for women, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, led by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, launched the upgraded SHe-Box portal on August 29, 2024. This advanced platform is designed to centralize information about Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) across the nation while streamlining the registration and tracking of sexual harassment complaints in workplaces.

The revamped SHe-Box now allows women to submit complaints directly to the relevant IC or LC of their choice, significantly reducing delays and minimizing human intervention in the complaint resolution process. Once fully updated with information from all Ministries, Departments, States, UTs, and private sectors, the platform will operate at full capacity. The Ministry's current target is to onboard the details of nodal officers and ICs of all Central Ministries/Departments by October 2024. The event also saw the unveiling of the Ministry’s newly redesigned website, marking a new chapter in its digital outreach.

The She Box will prove as A Game-Changer in Workplace Harassment Prevention in very short period. The SHe-Box portal is a cornerstone in the government’s mission to eradicate workplace harassment. By serving as a centralized repository of IC and LC information across sectors, it offers women a unified platform to file complaints, track their progress, and ensure timely action by relevant authorities.

At the launch event, Smt. Annpurna Devi highlighted the portal's role in providing women a more efficient, transparent, and secure way to address harassment at work. “This initiative underscores our government’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive workplace for women across India,” she stated. The Minister also assured that privacy and confidentiality remain a top priority, with strict safeguards to protect the personal information of complainants.

It is not a slogan only  it is also a target that the Empowering Women as India Marches Towards 2047. As India approaches its centenary in 2047, the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has placed women's empowerment at the center of its development agenda. 

Recognizing the critical role women play in driving economic growth, the focus remains on creating safe and enabling workplaces where women can flourish. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 has been a cornerstone of this effort.

The launch of the SHe-Box represents a significant leap forward in implementing the provisions of this Act. Beyond just complaint registration, it ensures active monitoring and accountability, laying the groundwork for a safer working environment for women across sectors.

Now this new invention is a New Digital Face for the Ministry too. It will improve the safety and confidence among women. Alongside the SHe-Box, the Ministry unveiled its newly designed website, crafted to enhance the government’s digital engagement. As digital platforms increasingly become the primary point of interaction for citizens, the new website aims to create a cohesive visual identity while improving accessibility and interaction with both national and global audiences.

Bridging Gaps Through Digital Innovation with very easy steps and system. The SHe-Box portal is a reflection of the government’s broader vision of harnessing digital innovation to empower women. By providing a seamless, single-window system for registering sexual harassment complaints, the portal makes the process easier and more accessible to all women, regardless of their work status or sector. Whether they are employed in the organized or unorganized sector, public or private institutions, or even domestic workers—SHe-Box is a tool for every woman.

In addition, the portal includes a repository of resources linked to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, such as handbooks, training modules, and advisory documents, all available in Hindi and English for free. The portal also offers educational videos aimed at spreading awareness of the Act’s provisions.

In an Concluding point of view the launch of the SHe-Box portal is a monumental step in the government's ongoing mission to create a safer, more equitable workplace for women in India. By integrating technology with legal frameworks, the portal provides women a reliable and secure platform to voice their grievances. 

Along with the new website, these initiatives are a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for women as India moves towards its centenary milestone in 2047.

Gaza: At least 557,000 women in Gaza are in crisis

These Women are facing severe food insecurity 

A family is seen sitting around a bowl of beans in their tent in Rafah, in the
south of the Gaza Strip. (Photo: UNICEF/Abed Zagout)

Gaza: 27th June 2024: (UN Women News//The women Screen Desk):: 

A high risk of famine persists across the Gaza Strip as long as the ongoing conflict continues and humanitarian access remains restricted, according to a new report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Food insecurity affects women in Gaza in multiple ways. UN Women estimates that at least 557,000 women in Gaza are facing severe food insecurity, and find themselves facing old and new gender-based vulnerabilities.

The situation is particularly concerning for mothers and adult women, who often prioritize feeding others over themselves and report greater difficulty accessing food compared to men, leading many to skip meals or reduce their intake to ensure their children are fed. Amid the conflict, women’s care burden is increased, their access to services is limited, their health and food security are compromised, and they face higher risks of being subjected to all types of gender-based violence. 

Here are five key facts explaining how food insecurity affects women in Gaza, based on a recent UN Women survey of people across the Gaza Strip1: Care burden: Women struggle to protect their children's physical and mental well-being while bearing increased caregiving and domestic responsibilities, particularly in tents and overcrowded households. Seventy-seven percent of male and female survey respondents reported that caring for children, including feeding and physical care, is primarily a mother's responsibility. 

Physical health and weight loss: 

Food insecurity and malnutrition are widespread in Gaza. Seven out of 10 women interviewed by UN Women reported weight loss in the last 30 days, and more than half experience frequent dizziness. Food assistance: Over 80 per cent of female respondents rely on food assistance as their primary source of food, yet 87.3 per cent believe that food assistance is not distributed fairly based on family size. Previous evidence collected by UN Women suggests that mothers often eat last and least, skipping meals to feed their children. Additionally, 83.5 per cent stated that the assistance did not meet their household needs. Complications in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum: Pregnant and lactating women face heightened health risks due to insufficient medical care and nutrition. Seventy-six per cent of pregnant women reported anemia, and 99 per cent face challenges accessing necessary nutritional products and supplements, endangering maternal and infant health. 

Among households with breastfeeding mothers, 55 per cent reported health conditions impeding their ability to breastfeed, and 99 per cent faced challenges securing enough breastmilk, compromising infant survival, growth, and development. 

Kitchen access and unsafe cooking methods:

Only one-third of respondents reported having access to a kitchen where they can cook meals. Additionally, 69 per cent rely on unsafe cooking methods, such as using wood and other waste materials, which increases health risks. Women, who traditionally handle meal preparation, are exposed to hazardous smoke and pollutants, leading to respiratory and other health issues. “When we were living in Gaza City, because of the war, suddenly we did not have food anymore,” said one 16-year-old girl interviewed as part of UN Women’s survey.

“There were no vegetables in the market and no food at all. We had to eat the worst things.” “For example, white flour was not available; we had to mix wheat flour with animal fodder,” she said. “Since it was the first time for us to eat animal fodder, our stomachs were in pain. Everyone suffered from stomach pain. We had days where there was no food at all, we felt tired and exhausted. 

Also, there were no hospitals, and some days we could not leave the house because of the bombing. ”Recommended actions Allow for humanitarian access: Ensure unimpeded access to all populations across the Gaza Strip. Provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance: Address the extremely high severity and magnitude of acute food insecurity and alarming WASH and health conditions through the restoration of health, nutrition, and WASH services, and the provision of safe, nutritious, and sufficient humanitarian food assistance to all the people in need. 

All aid supplies, including medicines, fuel, and other necessities, should be allowed to enter and move throughout the Gaza Strip. Provide malnutrition prevention services and treatment: Deliver acute malnutrition treatment services, while maintaining and protecting stabilization centres and outpatient treatment. Promote and support breastfeeding, and provide ready to use infant formula for non-breastfed infants. Provide complementary foods and micronutrient supplements for young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the chronically ill, and the elderly. 

Restore production and market systems: Restore the functioning of market infrastructure and bakeries, combined with cash-based interventions where feasible. Rehabilitate food production systems as soon as possible, including horticulture, livestock, and fishing. Commercial good delivery should continue, however not at the expense of humanitarian assistance. 

1. UN Women survey of 295 men and 305 women across the Gaza Strip, April 2024

International Women's Cancer Conference-2023 begins

Friday 1st December 2023 at 18:19

More than 200 doctors and 100 nurses attended

Chandigarh: 01 December 2023: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen)::

International Women's Cancer Conference-2023 started with great enthusiasm and passion . The first day was very missing, the start of the conference organized by the Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the organizing secretary, Dr. Gaurav came from Prakash's swag speech.

More than 200 doctors and 100 nurses from Chandigarh and neighboring states came to attend the conference।  There was also a lot of curiosity। Medical science is fully alert to the rapidly becoming common cancer and is also taking further steps in this direction। 

PGIMER Director Professor Vivek Lal addressed this historic conference and also praised the collaboration with ASCO।  Along with this, he was assured to use this cooperation for the best care of cancer patients।

Radiation oncologist of ASCO Prof. Onini Balogun monitored women's cancer worldwide and emphasized the importance of a multi-disciplinary cancer clinic। His thoughts on cancer were very informative। Much said was heard in the IGI Chandigarh conference on this poison becoming serious throughout the world.

Significantly, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, smoke released during smoking that goes within others by breath: thyroid cancer, Factors that increase the risk of thyroid cancer include: Ovarian cancer and cervical cancer are prominent in those whose risk is counted as severe। 

President of the Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI), Dr. Rupinder Sekhon emphasized the importance and limitations of screening women for various cancers in India। Steps and new discoveries being taken in this regard were also discussed। 

Professor Vanita Suri, head and organizing chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary cancer care। His speech was very strong। He put forward a lot in this regard। 

In this conference, the renowned international faculty of ASCO, Dr. Mary McCormack and Drs. Charles Dunton also participated। Evidence-based best practices in breast cancer were discussed in various discussions। Young researchers presented their research through e-posters। 

The initial round of quizzes saw the enthusiastic participation of 14 teams representing nine medical colleges। Overall, that first day of the conference was very informative and memorable.

"We are ending every discrimination against women"

Posted On: 31 MAR 2023 5:20 PM by PIB Delhi

 The International Women’s Day celebrated throughout the country

New Delhi:  31st March 2023: (PIB//The Women Screen)::

Government has taken several steps to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls in the country through legislative framework, schematic interventions and policies/ programmes/schemes.

The International Women’s Day this year has been celebrated throughout the country with great zeal and fervor. On this occasion, several programmes, events, functions, quizzes were organized by various Central and State Government as well as other organizations. The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. The Ministry of Women and Child Development does not maintain the data of expenditure incurred by various authorities on celebration International Women’s Day.

The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution of India. The Constitution of India not only provides for equality but also empowers the State to make positive discrimination in favour of women and children. The Directive Principles of the State Policy and the Fundamental Duties cast obligation on State as well as citizens to remove discrimination renounce derogatory practices and uphold the dignity of women. In line with the principles enshrined in the Constitution, the Government has taken several steps to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls in the country through legislative framework, schematic interventions and policies/ programmes/ schemes. The vibrant Indian Judiciary also plays an important role in protecting the rights and entitlements of women and girls.

Several legislations for example ‘the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955’, ‘the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 (subsumed under Code on Wages, 2019)’ and ‘the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013’, ‘the Indian Penal Code’, ‘the Criminal Law Amendments of 2013 and 2018’, ‘the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961’, ‘the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005’, ‘the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006’, ‘the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019’, three Labour Codes of 2020 etc. already exist to further strengthen this framework.

Moreover, in order to ensure that the marital status of a woman does not subject her to any form of discrimination or hardship, or have a bearing on access to services, the Passport rules have been amended in favour of single mothers. Now either the mother or the father’s name can be provided in the passport application form and there is no requirement to provide the certificate of marriage/divorce during application anymore. Earlier, providing the father’s name in the PAN application forms was mandatory. The said rule has been suitably amended to the effect that in PAN application forms, mentioning the father’s name is no longer mandatory for person whose mother was a single parent and PAN has been applied by furnishing the name of the mother only.

As a measure for improving the girl child sex ratio, the Government of India launched the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme’. The scheme is a convergent effort to prevent gender-biased sex selective elimination, ensure the survival and protection of the girl child, and to ensure her education, with an overall aim of increasing the child sex ratio. To assist the women in distress, the Government has is setting up of “One Stop Centers” (OSCs) across the country with the objective of facilitating access to an integrated range of services including medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/case management, psychosocial counselling, and temporary support services to women affected by violence.

Access to sanitation is a matter of dignity. To curb the problem of open defecation in India which affects the health and safety of women the most, the Government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission. Under this initiative over 11.6 crore individual household toilets have been constructed. Similarly, the schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Skill India, Digital India are promoting the financial and digital inclusion and economic empowerment of women. There are several other schemes implemented by various Central Ministries/ Departments for promoting social, educational, economic and political empowerment of women.

As per Census of India 2011, there are over 26.8 million persons with disabilities in India, constituting 2.21% of the population. Among these, around 11.8 million are women. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, endorses the need to focus special attention on the needs of differently-abled women. Recognizing the need of differently-abled mothers of additional support, the Policy envisages giving financial support to such women so that they may hire services to look after their children. The Government of India introduced the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, which implores government and local authorities to take measures to ensure that women and children with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others.

As per Census 2011, the number of widowed women is 4,32,61,478, number of separated women is 23,72,754 & number of divorced women is 9,09,573.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women & Child Devlopment, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

                   ***** SS//AKS//(Release ID: 1912576)

We are dedicated for the purpose: Aruna Chaudhary

 16th September 2021 at 06:56 PM

Many initiatives introduced to strengthen Social Security

*Department played vital role in helping people during Covid-19 pandemic

*Anganwadi Workers need to pay more attention towards pregnant women, lactating mothers and malnourished children

Chandigarh: 16th September 2021: (The women Screen Bureau)::

Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister, Punjab Aruna Chaudhary on Thursday said that the Punjab government has taken various new initiatives to bolster the Department of Social Security, Women & Child Development so that maximum beneficiaries at grass-root level can take advantage of a myriad of government welfare schemes in the state.

Ms Chaudhary, while disclosing this during a state-level workshop under the mission 'Poshan Abhiyaan’, said that the fourth 'Poshan Maah' is being celebrated from September 1 to September 30 across the state and programs are being organised at various places.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister informed that a large number of recruitments have been done in the department and at the same time promotions were also given to the eligible officers/staff  by the Punjab government.

 “This department is directly linked to the welfare of people and it is a privilege for us that we are serving the people of Punjab,” she said.

She directed the department officials to complete all the ongoing projects in the coming three months.

She also praised the efforts of all employees, especially Anganwadi workers for their dogged determination and helping the people after putting their lives at risk during the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The minister exhorted Anganwadi workers to pay special attention to pregnant women, lactating mothers and malnourished children.

On the occasion, Principal Secretary Raji P Shrivastava said that the department's 'Poshan Abhiyaan’ has been proving successful and yielding positive results. She urged Anganwadi workers to pay extra attention to planting of fruit trees as well as medicinal trees in the Anganwadi Centers. She said that these trees can be planted on the common lands near the Anganwadi Centers so that the local people could also take benefit from it.

She directed department officials to create maximum awareness about the department’s welfare works among people.

Meanwhile, the best performing districts were also honoured for their superlative works during the event.

In the best performing category, Rupnagar district clinched the first rank, followed by Hoshiarpur district while Jalandhar remained on third and Fazilka bagged fourth rank.

Similarly, for excellent activities during mission 'Poshan Abhiyaan', Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar came first, Ferozepur second, Rupnagar third, Muktsar district fourth and Jalandhar stood in the fifth position. Whereas, under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar came first, Mansa second, Barnala third, Faridkot fourth and Pathankot fifth.

Director Social Security, Women & Child Development Vipul Ujjwal and Joint Director Vimmi Bhullar among others were present during the event.

Julie Blanks: master’s in military strategy

 Expert in civilian personnel plans too 

New Delhi: 3rd October 2020: (US Dod//The Women Screen)::

Executive Director, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

Ms. Julie Blanks is the Executive Director, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. 

In her previous capacity, she served as the Principal Director for Military Community and Family Policy, and assisted the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy with a broad portfolio that includes policy, advocacy, and oversight of all community support to service members and families including quality of life issues; family and casualty assistance; morale, welfare and recreation programs; Military OneSource program; and policy oversight of the Defense Department's commissary and exchange services.

Earlier, Ms. Blanks served as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy where she was responsible for policy and oversight of civilian personnel plans, policies and programs that affect Department of Defense employees worldwide.

Ms. Blanks entered federal service in 2001. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College where she earned a master’s degree in military strategy. She holds two additional master’s degrees, one in social work from the University of Alabama and the other in human resources management from Troy University.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication at Auburn University.

Courtesy: US DoD

Dilhara who won with the power of hobby

'Women in Management' is working with dedication 

27th September 2016

New Delhi//Colombo: 
This is Dilhara. A Fighter-A Winner. She got every thing with her own dedication. She was a teacher. She gave up her profession and started to work on her hobby. The Decision Was very hard but She was too serious. She loved her hobby. She left her job but proffered her hobby.  A long road was there to walk day and night. After a long struggle she has proved that you may win with the power of love with your hobby. 

Yesterday she called WIM Chairperson to share her success. After receiving the WIM Award she has being invited to share her story in Nugasewana followed with a grand honor organized by Matara Women Association. She further has received an opportunity to open up her new shop in shangri la hambantota. It was really a great event. A Grand Celebration.

This is all about WIM Professional & Career Women Awards. Taking Sri Lankan Women to the World. This function was a confirmation to say that some time we should ask from our heart too. 

Now she is an icon. She is the owner of brands. You can buy or order her excellent collection of Handloom bed sheets, sarees, shoes, jewelries on 15th October 2016@Women International Club Colombo 7 Organized by WISTA Sri Lanka

Special Feature: What is Sexual Harassment?

09-July-2015 17:01 IST
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013                                                 --Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) 
                                                            *Courtesy: International Labour Organisation,2014

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexually defined behaviour which can range from misbehaviour of an irritating nature to the most serious forms such as sexual abuse and assault, including rape. 

The Sexual Harassment of Women (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 defines sexual harassment to include any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) namely:

         i.            physical contact and advances

        ii.            a demand or request for sexual favours

       iii.            making sexually coloured remarks

       iv.            showing pornography

     v.        any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.

·        What is sexual harassment at workplace?

Sexual harassment at the workplace is any unwelcome sexually defined behaviour which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive working environment.

The Sexual Harassment of Women (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 states that if the following circumstances  occur or are  present in relation to, or connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment, it may amount to sexual harassment at the workplace:

I.            Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment in her employment; or

II.            Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or

III.            Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or

IV.            Interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or

V.            Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.

·        Quick checklist: Is your work environment free from sexual harassment?

Most women themselves fail to recognize sexual harassment and treat it as trivial and routine. Take a look at the checklist below and fill a check mark (√) to an appropriate box.

  

Check items	Yes	No
1.      You have supervisors or colleagues that you want to avoid working together
2.      You feel that somebody is constantly staring at you
3.      The number of female and male workers is not well-balanced
4.      There are times when supervisors or colleagues touch your body
5.      There are uncomfortable incidences at my workplace but I tolerate it with my patience
6.      My supervisor sometimes asks me out for dinner
7.      I stay obedient to whatever my supervisor says as I do not want to lose my job
8.      I receive some jokes and comments related to my appearance
9.      My supervisor frequently asks me about my personal life
10.  I often receive emails irrelevant to my work from a colleague/supervisor

If you have many check marks under “Yes”, your work environment may not be free from sexual harassment. If you are in doubt, discuss with trusted colleagues, and do not stay silent. 

·        What should you do if you experience sexual harassment?

If you experience sexual harassment, take action to stop it.

Speak up at the time: Be sure to say "NO" clearly, firmly and without smiling when you experience sexual harassment as that is the best way to let the harasser know that his or her behaviour is offensive. If you are asked to go places, do things, respond to questions, or engage in situations that make you uncomfortable, say "NO" emphatically and clearly and do not worry about offending the other person or hurting his or her feelings. Objecting to the behaviour when it occurs helps if you decide to file charges later.

Keep records: Keep track of what happens in a journal or diary and keep any letters or notes or other documents you receive. Keep copies of any offensive material at the workplace. Write down the dates, times (including frequency of offensive encounters), places, and an account of what happened. Write down the names of any witnesses.

Every document that you use during trial must be authenticated by a witness. Keep this in mind during your depositions when the defense asks you where you obtained a document. If you are not clear about where you got the document, and who can authenticate it, you will not be able to use it during your trial.

Take all letters of commendation, awards, thanks you's and anything at all that will corroborate your positive job performance. Pay special attention to documents that your superiors have provided lauding you and your work. If possible, ask your clients, staff, and peers for letters of commendation.

Talk to someone you can trust: Being quiet or stoic about sexual harassment lets it continue. Talk to other co-workers, union members, family members or friends whom you can trust. You may not be the only one harassed by this person.

Create a witness: Inform a trusted colleague and try to insure that s/he is an eye or ear witness to a situation where you are being sexually harassed. This will be useful later if you chose to file a formal complaint.

Report sexual harassment to the appropriate person in the organization: Explore the different avenues available to you and file a formal complaint if necessary. If your organization does not have a policy, ensure that your employer formulates an anti-sexual harassment policy and carries out all the connected tasks.

Get a medical check-up: If you have been raped or physically assaulted, go for a medical check-up. Obtain a medical report. This is important, should you decide to pursue a legal case.

·        Can an aggrieved file a civil suit in a case of sexual harassment in the workplace?

Yes, a civil suit can be filed for damages under tort laws. The basis for filing the case would be mental anguish, physical harassment, loss of income and employment caused by the sexual harassment.

·        Under what circumstances can complaints be filed?

Complaints may be filed under the following circumstances:

·        Cases involving individuals from the same organization

·        Cases that concern third party harassment, which implies harassment from an outsider.

·        Where can I file a complaint?

o       Internal Complaints Committee – if you are an aggrieved woman who has a relationship of work with that specific organization

o       Local Complaints Committee – if you are an employee from an establishment where the Internal Complaints Committee has not been constituted due to having less than 10 workers. In the case that the complaint is against the employer himself/herself and the individual feels that the case may be compromised, she can also lodge the complaint in the LCC 

o       For instances where the LCC may not be immediately accessible, the Act instructs the District officer to designate one nodal officer in every block, taluka and tehsil in rural or tribal area and ward or municipality in the urban area, who will receive the complaint and forward it to the concerned LCC within 7 days.

o       Local police station, in case provisions under the Indian Penal Code are applicable.

Beautiful Young Chinese Girls Executed

Uploaded on Aug 9, 2011

10 tragic stories of young girls sentenced to death and killed in the past years. Pictures show the last moments of the short lives of the girls.

AND TO ALL OF YOU HATERS WHO ATTACK AND INSULT ME, I FOUND THE ENTIRE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ON A CHINESE WEBSITE. I THOUGHT THE STORIES ARE INTERESTING AND SO I MADE THIS VIDEO TO SHARE THOSE STORIES WITH YOU GUYS. OF COURSE I DONT DEFEND CRIMINALS BUT AS I AM A WARM HEARTED HUMAN BEING I STILL FEEL SAD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE BEING CAPITAL PUNISHED REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY DID. AND
I NEVER EVER MENTIONED ANYTHING LIKE THAT THOSE GIRLS SHOULD BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY THEN UGLY GIRLS/MEN/ETC.

Please keep that in mind before you comment stupid things!
Thanks for watching anyway!

Women's Convention

 ANNOUNCING
NATIONAL MINORITY WOMEN’S CONVENTION FOR SAFEGUARDING 
DEMOCRACY AND SECULARISM
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
CONSTITUTION CLUB OF INDIA
Rafi Marg, New Delhi

8.00-9.00-Breakfast
9.00-9.30- Registration

Names of speakers are in Alphabetic order--They might be speaking in this order
9.30--12.00
Inaugural Session:
Democracy, Secularism & Growth of Fascist Forces
Chair: Seema Mustafa
Key Note Address: Dr. Syeda Hamid 

Ajeet Cour,  Bader Sayeed,  Cynthia Stephen,  Dr Rokeya Begum,  Dr Sheena Shukkur , Dr. Annie Koshi,  Nafisa Ali,  Nuzhat Hassan,  Ramesa Begum,  Saleha Begum,  Sara Abubaker,  Sheba Varghese, Sister Justine 

12.00-1.30 pm
Session 2
Survivors of Communal Violence: Voices 
Chair: Zakia Soman
Bilkis Bano ( Gujarat),  Khurshida Khatoon(Muzaffarnagar), Madina (Dhule), Mafia(Gopalgarh),  Musarrat Jahan- (Mumbai), Sobhamani Karkaria (Kandhamal), Sultana Shaikh-(Gujarat),  Tahirun Khatoon(Forbesgunj)

1.30-2.30
Lunch

Defending India: Safeguarding Democracy and Secularism

2.30-4.00
Session 3
Breaking the Stereotypes: Women’s Voices: professionals
Chair: Sheba George
Albeena Shakeel,Anusha Rizvi, Arfa Khanum, Meera Rizvi, Nusrat Hussain, Saba Azad, Samina Mishra,  Seema Siddiqui

4.00-5.30
Session 4
Breaking the Stereotypes: Women’s Voices- grass root activists
Chair: Nafisa Barot
Jameela Khan,  Maqsooda Shaikh, Naseem Shaikh, Noorjahan Diwan,NoorJahan Safiya Niaz, Safiya Akhtar
Zeba Khan , Zulekha Jabin

5.30-6.00
Tea and Snacks

Info on Speakers at the NMWC

We are as diverse as India

Seema Mustafa is an Indian print and television journalist. While with the Asian Age, Seema received the prestigious "Prem Bhatia Award for Excellence in Political Reporting and Analysis" in 1999. Seema Mustafa began her journalist career with The Pioneer in Lucknow, moved to The Patriot in 1979. She has worked for The Telegraph, Indian Express,  Asian Age and The Sunday Guardian. She is now the consulting editor of Statesman.
Syeda Hameed is the Member, Planning Commission, Government of India, since 2004. She is holding various other post like Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. She is the founding member of Muslim Women’s Forum (MWF) since 2000, Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia (WIPSA), South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR). She is the founding trustee of Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation. She was the Member: National Commission for Women, Govt. of India from 1997- 2000. Dr Sayeda Saiyidain Hameed has won many prestigious awards - Padma Shri, 2007, Al-Ameen All India Community, Leadership Award 2006, Bi Amma Award2012.
Annie Koshi, Principal of St. Mary’s School,Delhi. A devoted social worker, Annie actively advocates the cause of the disabled and has worked hard on introducing an inclusive education system. Ms. Koshi is the Chairperson of Pratham Delhi Education Initiative, Member of the Committee of CABE She is also a Member of the Advisory Committee for Minority Cell-NCERT.
Cynthia Stephen is an Independent Writer , Political Activist and Researcher based focusing on issues of gender, development, poverty and exclusionin Bangalore.
Nuzhat Hassan, an IPS Officer of AGMU-1991 , she is the first Muslim IPS ., awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Nuzhat Hassan has held various posts in the police, including those of S.P. Telecom, Arunachal Pradesh, DCP-Anti Corruption and Additional DCP of New Delhi District. In the year 2005 she became the Director of NBT. She is also the author of a collection of short stories entitled The Marginals. Presently she is the Joint Commissioner, Delhi Police.

Nafisa Ali is an Activist, Actress, Politician .In September 2005, she was appointed the chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI). Nafisa Ali has accomplishments in several fields. She was thenational swimming champion from 1972-1974. She won the Miss India title in 1976 and was runner-up at the Miss International contest in 1977. Ali was also a jockey at the Calcutta Gymkhana in 1979.

Bader Sayeed is a legal Lawyer and an activist. She has been doing her independent practice of Law at High Court of Madras since 1986. She has taken up many cases relating to dowry deaths, rape, domestic violence, women in the unorganised sector, prisoner's rights and juvenile children, custodial violence and police atrocities as an Legal Aid Lawyer. 
Dr. Sheena Shukkur is the PRO- Vice Chancellor of Mahatama Gandhi University, Kerala. She has held many important positions like Member, Supreme Court Committee on Pendency and Arrears of High Courts, Chaired by Chief Justice of India , Director and Head of the Department of Law, the School of Legal Studies, Kannur University, Member, Executive Council, Kerala State Higher Education Council, Convener, Review Committee, Kerala State Policy on Higher Education, 2012, Convener, Review Committee on Reforming Legal Education in Kerala State, 2012,Member, Board of Studies in Law (PG), University of Calicut, 2012.
Ramesa Begum is a prominent writer in Assamese Language. She is a Member of Centre For MinorityStudies, Research and Development, Assam, Member, BTAD Citizen Rights Forum. Ramesa Begum is the Victim of BTAD ethnic clenching, 1994.
Ajit Cour is an Indian writer. She has written novels and short stories in the Punjabi Language on social-realist themes such as the experience of women in relationships and their position in society.She was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985.

Sara Abubakar was born in a Malayalam-speaking family from Kasaragod . She has written nine novels, also authored five collections of short stories and translated six major works from Malayalam into Kannada. The novel Chandragiri Teeradalli has been translated into Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, English and Hindi and has been widely acclaimed. It has been prescribed as a textbook in Bangalore, Mangalore, Kuvempu and Karnataka Women's universities. She has served in various organizations and bodies like Karnataka Sahitya Academy, Doordarshan preview committee, regional advisory committee of Kendra Sahitay Akademi .

Sheba Varghese is the Vice President of YWCA, India
Saleha Begum is the Member of  BTAD Citizen Rights Forum, Assam and the Secretary, Socio-Economic Environment Society, Chirang, BTAD Assam.
Sheba George is an activist, Director of Sahrwaru, Ahmedabad. She has extensively worked on issues for women and youth's empowerment, gender justice and social reconciliation in Ahmedabad city and adjoining areas.

Sister Justine  joined the Sisters of St Joseph in 1992 and began her ministry as a teacher and then as formator in their program for candidates and those in temporary profession. Justine’s life was dramatically changed on August 23, 2008, when sectarian violence between Hindus and Christians broke out in her native Kandhamal, Odisha. She has worked as Secretary to the Women’s Commission.
Zakia Soman helped to start the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan in January 2007 to empower Muslim women fight communal forces as well as fundamentalist and patriarchal elements within the community, working in 15 states. Zakia is an eyewitness and a victim of the Gujarat carnage of 2002. She and her family had to flee to save their lives. It is an experience which turned her from a genteel working woman to an ardent activist for women's rights.
Bilkis Bano is a survivor of sexual violence of 2002 Gujarat. At that time she was staying in Panchmahal. She fought for over 7 years and finally got her tormentors convicted.
Sultana is from Kalol, Gujarat.  She is a survivor of sexual violence of 2002 Gujarat.  She is still waiting to get justice.

Musarrat Jahan is the sister of Ishrat Jahan. She has been fighting for justice for the past 10 years for her sister who was killed in a fake encounter.
Madina house was attacked during the Dhule riots and her house was totally burnt.

Mafia is from Gopalgarh.  She is a witness to the Goplagrah police firing case

Tahirun Khatoon- Forbesgunj, Tahirun lost her son and grandson in the Forbesgunj police firing in June 2010. She has been fighting since then to get justice.

Khurshida Khatoon is a witness to Muzaffarnagar violence.

Sobhamani Karkaria is a survivor from Kandhamal.

Anusha Rizvi  is an Indian film director and Screenwriter. Her directorial debut was Peepli Live. The movie won the Best First Film award at the Durban film festival and the Gollapudi Srinivas Award. Anusha Rizvi was a journalist before venturing into film direction. She graduated in history from St.Stephen's College, University of Delhi.

Saba Azad is an Indian model, singer and actress working in the Hindi film industry, known for her leading role in the Yashraj Youth Banner film Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. She has featured in many commercials. She is also trained in dance forms like Odissi, ballet, jazz, Latin as well as contemporary dance forms. Azad started her own theatre company 'The Skins' in 2010 and directed her first play 'Lovepuke' in 2010. She became famous as a singer after her song ‘Dhak Dhak karne Laga” from nautanki Saala became a hit last year. She is part of the two member band along with Imaad Shah- Madboy/Mink a Funk - Nu Disco , which is craze with youth.

Meera Rizvi is an Engineer turned TV content provider, specializing in education-entertainment where presumably, her training in solving equation with multiple variables comes in handy, with shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Aap Ki Kachehri, Galli Galliu Sim Sim and Jasoos Vijay under her belt

Arfa Khanum Sherwani is a television journalist for last 13 years, she is a senior anchor with Rajyasabha TV. Hosts a daily analytical show at 9 pm called Desh Deshantar. 

Previously worked with Aamir Khan Productions for Satyamev Jayate and NDTV.

Samina Mishra is a documentary filmmaker, writer and teacher based in New Delhi, with a special interest in media for children. Her work includes The House on Gulmohar Avenue, a film that traces the filmmaker’s personal journey to understand what it can mean to be a Muslim in India, Hina in the Old City, a photographic book for children on the Walled City of Delhi and Home and Away, a multi-media exhibition on British Asian children in London. She has been part of UNESCO's Travelling Literature Festival, Ghummakad Narain, sharing her work with an audience of children in different cities across India.
Albeena Shakeel- Albeena Shakil, a former President of JNU Students’ Union, is women rights’ activist and teaches at Bharati College, Delhi University. .
Nusrat Hussain is an Advocate by profession. She did her L.L.B from Faculty of Law, Delhi University. She has worked as Law researcher with Honorable Justice Gita Mittal , High Court of Delhi from January 2011 – May 2013. Presently Nusrat is working as Editor, Current Tax Reporter with Wolters Kluwer India, (Pvt.) Ltd.  
Dr. Noorjehan Safia Niaz, co-founder of BMMA and founder and managing trustee of Ashana Trust. From 1999 till 2008 she worked in Women’s Research and Action Group [WRAG] as Project Coordinator and thereafter as the Co-Director. Through the years she has concentrated on developing the capacities of marginalized Muslim women, locally and nationally. She is also a visiting faculty with the Centre of Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy; SNDT Women’s University and teaches gender studies and human rights..
Noorjahan Diwan  is an activist presently working with Anhad. Before the 2002 riots she was just a housewife, but 2002 riots was a turning point in her life. Since 2002 she has worked with Bhartiya Muslim  Mahila Andolan, Amana Samodaye. Before 2002 riots she was a school teacher. Noorjahan works with the community, women issues , education. Initially her husband was against her when she came into activism.
Zulekha Jabin is a social activist. She has worked with BMMA an dmany other organizations as well as working independently. She is a fierceless amd prominent voice against every injustice in Chatisgarh as wel as the national level.
Jameela Khan- jameela Khan is the Gujarat Convenor of the BMMA. She is a writer and an active part of all social movements especially regarding the issues of minority women in Gujarat. 

Safiya Akhtar- is the convener of Madhya Pradesh unit of BMMA.  She works on  rights of Muslim women.

Naseem Shaikh- is an activist; She has worked extensively on relief, rehabilitation and for establishing communal harmony. She has worked in Aman samudaya and right now she works with Niswan on the rights of Muslim women.
Seema Siddiqui- Seema is a Public Relations professional who is currently heading the PR and Communications function of a technology MNC based in Gurgaon. She is also a visiting faculty at the Mass Communication Research Center at Jamia Millia Islam University, Delhi. Seema has a Master’s degree in Applied Communication from Coventry University UK.  Following the degree she worked in the London, in Social Care, for about 2 years before moving back to India. Seema has also taught in the Aligarh Muslim University in the Department of English, at the beginning of her professional career. Seema comes from the city of Lucknow and lives in Delhi.
Dr Rokeya Begum is a professor in a college in Siliguri., West Bengal.
Zeba Khan- Zeba Khan is from Tonk, Rajasthan. She works on issues related to the rights of women

ANHAD, BMMA, JTSA, JWP, MWF, NFIW, SAHRWARU, UTTHAN, YWCA