Signature drive against child sex abuse rolls on

Charminar: In view of the upcoming Children's Day, Shaheen Women's Resource and Welfare Association in collaboration with Women and Child Welfare Department kick started campaign against 'Child sex abuse'. As part of the awareness programme on Monday, they organised a meeting, followed by rally at Charminar.

According to organisers, through its awareness rallies and other social activities, Shaheen along with government departments working on this issue tried to highlight the burning issue of Child Sex Abuse amongst Old City's population.

"A very sensitive issue that people often tend to steer away from discussing or focusing upon is child sexual abuse. It is a very common incidence in several parts of Old City, occurring unequivocally both on the streets as well as behind closed doors," said Jameela Nishat, founder and executive director Shaheen

Every year on November 14, India celebrates Children's Day as a tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (the first Prime Minister of the India), who was very fond of children and had supported them for their education. There would be no better day to raise awareness and speak on the hushed-up issue of child sexual abuse, and therefore, Shaheen was well gearing up for the upcoming events.

Women and Child Welfare Department, Director, Jhansi Laxmi Bai, CWC Chairperson, Shyamal Devi , CDPO, WCD & SC, Jyotsna and other officials were present. Previous year with the objective of 'sensitizing' both male and female school children about child sex abuse, and sexual harassment, an 'educational fair' was organised by Shaheen in Old City.