UGC Launches 15-Day Campaign to Prevent Sexual Abuse in India’s Higher Education Institutions
Pune, 25th November 2024: To address and prevent sexual abuse of women staff and students in higher education institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) will launch a special 15-day public awareness campaign from 25th November to 10th December. The initiative will be conducted in universities and higher education institutions nationwide, starting on 25th November, which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concluding on 10th December, World Human Rights Day.
The campaign aims to prevent the sexual exploitation of women and girls, raise awareness about sexual assaults, and provide guidance on filing complaints. It will highlight emergency helpline numbers, including the women’s helpline (181), the child helpline (1098), and the emergency response number (112). Women will also receive guidance on reporting incidents and filing police complaints based on grievances collected through complaint boxes.
As part of the campaign, various activities will promote awareness of laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023, along with other laws related to sexual violence. Additionally, the UGC has directed universities to conduct workshops to foster an understanding of gender equality, consent, distinguishing between good and bad touch, healthy relationships, and respecting women’s dignity. These efforts aim to create a safer and more respectful environment in educational institutions.
