Launch of Nayi Chetna 3.0, A National Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

Nayi Chetna 3.0: Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) in India. The event took place at the Rang Bhawan Auditorium in New Delhi. The campaign, organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address gender inequality and violence across the country.

Key Highlights from the Event:

1. Campaign Objectives and Message:

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about all forms of gender-based violence, promote collective action, and encourage communities to speak out against violence. The slogan ‘Ek Saath Ek Awaaz – Hinsa Ke Khilaf’ highlights the campaign’s goal of creating safe, inclusive spaces and breaking the barriers of inequality through convergent efforts from various sectors of society and government.

2. Inauguration of Gender Resource Centres (GRCs):

227 new Gender Resource Centres (GRCs) were inaugurated across 13 States to provide survivors of gender-based violence with safe spaces for information, legal assistance, and emotional support. These centres act as vital support networks, empowering survivors to voice their experiences and seek justice.

3. Government Efforts Against GBV:

Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi launched the #abkoibahananahi campaign, emphasizing the need for collective action to eliminate GBV and promote gender equality. She highlighted the role of 10 crore Self-Help Group (SHG) women and 49 women-focused schemes in promoting gender equality and providing support through 24/7 helplines, One-Stop Centres, and fast-track justice initiatives. The campaign also encourages the economic, social, and political inclusion of women.

4. Community Impact and Outreach:

The Nayi Chetna 2.0 campaign reached over 6 crore individuals through more than 9 lakh community-led activities, fostering dialogue and action against GBV. The Nayi Chetna 3.0 campaign aims to extend this outreach and encourages whole-of-society and whole-of-government collaboration to eliminate GBV.

5. Key Speakers and Participants:

Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan emphasized the need for a collective societal approach to end gender-based violence. Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Rural Development, shared insights from the previous campaign and outlined the new objectives of Nayi Chetna 3.0. Gender champions from Jharkhand, Puducherry, and Madhya Pradesh shared their personal experiences of overcoming violence and becoming leaders in their communities.

6. Collaborative Approach:

An inter-ministerial joint advisory was unveiled, signed by eight Ministries/Departments, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and others. This collaborative approach emphasizes the “whole of government” strategy to eliminate GBV through the efforts of various ministries.

7. Event Participation:

The event was attended by representatives from various Government Ministries, State Rural Livelihoods Missions, women from SHGs across India, Anganwadi workers, and partnering civil society organizations.

8. Campaign Timeline:

The month-long Nayi Chetna 3.0 campaign will run across all Indian States and Union Territories until 23rd December 2024. This initiative is being driven by the extensive SHG network of DAY-NRLM, reflecting the spirit of a Jan Andolan (people’s movement) to combat gender-based violence.

Impact and Long-Term Goals:

The primary objectives of the campaign are to raise awareness, provide access to support systems, and empower local institutions to take decisive action against GBV. The Government of India’s initiatives aim to create safe, dignified spaces for women, empowering them to live a life of respect, self-belief, and freedom from violence. This initiative is a significant step in India’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of gender equality, making it highly relevant for discussions on women’s empowerment and social justice.