The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Explain steps to curb sexual harassment in school: AIDWA

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 11, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Explain steps to curb sexual harassment in school: AIDWA

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, DEC. 10. The All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) today said the Government owed an explanation to the public on the measures taken to prevent sexual harassment of girls in schools.

In a statement here, the State president, Sudha Sundararaman, and the general secretary, U. Vasuki, expressed concern at the "increasing incidence" of girls committing suicide because of sexual harassment in schools or admonition by parents and teachers. The National Commission for Women had already given its recommendations, they recalled.

Many of the schools had no counselling centres to advise students whenever they experienced agony. The students were not able to seek remedy from their parents or teachers. As the younger generation was highly sensitive, harsh words hurt them deeply.

They were unable to stomach insults heaped in the classroom, the AIDWA leaders claimed.

`Change attitude'

They called upon teachers and parents to change their attitude to children. Appointment of a woman counsellor in every school should be made compulsory.

The girls should be given training, if necessary with the assistance of psychiatrists and activists of women's organisations, to enable them to gain self-confidence.

Gender equality should be included in the syllabus and women portrayed in a dignified manner in the media, the AIDWA leaders suggested.

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