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The National Commission for Women (NCW) has faced significant criticism regarding its handling of sexual harassment allegations, particularly under the leadership of its current chairperson, Rekha Sharma. Here are some key points of criticism:
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Criticisms of NCW’s Handling of Sexual Harassment Allegations
- Political Bias and Inaction: Critics have accused the NCW of being politically biased, particularly in its responses to allegations involving political figures from the ruling party. For instance, the Commission was criticized for its silence on sexual abuse allegations against Prajwal Revanna, a leader associated with the BJP. The NCW took several days to respond and only sought a report after the state government had already initiated an investigation, leading to accusations that it succumbed to political pressure and failed to act promptly on serious allegations against powerful individuals
- Delayed Responses: The NCW has been criticized for its slow response to high-profile cases of sexual violence. For example, in the aftermath of the viral video showing the public humiliation of two women in Manipur, the Commission’s response was seen as inadequate and delayed. Despite receiving complaints about the incident, there was no immediate action taken by the NCW, which raised concerns about its commitment to addressing urgent issues affecting women’s safety
- Misogynistic Remarks and Victim-Blaming: Under Sharma’s leadership, there have been instances where her comments have been perceived as misogynistic or victim-blaming. For example, her remarks regarding women needing to be cautious about their behavior have sparked backlash and claims that such statements undermine victims’ credibility and discourage them from coming forward
- Failure to Implement Guidelines: The NCW has been criticized for not effectively implementing existing guidelines related to sexual harassment in workplaces. A significant number of complaints received by the NCW reportedly did not lead to adequate action against perpetrators, with many victims expressing dissatisfaction with how their cases were handled by internal complaints committees
. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Commission in ensuring justice for victims.
- Public Perception and Credibility Issues: The NCW’s credibility has been questioned due to its perceived inaction and selective engagement with women’s issues. Critics argue that its focus has often been on politically motivated narratives rather than on genuinely addressing women’s rights and safety concerns across all states, particularly those governed by opposition parties
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