In a bid to enhance support for women facing harassment, the Punjab State Commission for Women is set to establish district-level cells across the state. This initiative aims to provide localized assistance and address a broader spectrum of issues affecting women. The announcement was made by Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission, during an exclusive interview with The Tribune as part of its Decode Punjab digital series.
Gill emphasized the significance of this new measure. “We are enlisting social reformers, activists, and legal advisers at the district level to ensure that women in distress receive the support they need closer to home,” Gill explained. “I will also be making visits to each district to oversee these efforts.”
Gill has been deeply involved in public service, particularly focusing on women’s issues. Her recent appointment to the Punjab State Women Commission marks a new chapter in her career, reflecting her extensive experience in addressing public concerns.
One of Gill’s first actions upon taking charge was to address the dire conditions faced by women in prison. After visiting several women’s barracks, she was appalled by the overcrowding and substandard conditions. Gill took immediate steps, writing to the Chief Minister, the Director General of Police, and jail authorities to advocate for improved conditions, particularly for women with young children. Her intervention led to the transfer of inmates from the overcrowded Ropar jail to the less congested Nasbha jail.
The issue of drug abuse among women has also been a pressing concern. Gill highlighted that while many women are receiving treatment at de-addiction centers, a troubling number are involved in the illicit drug trade. “It’s heartbreaking to see that many women involved in drug trafficking have male family members who are also addicted. For some, this trade becomes a financial necessity,” she noted.
Gill also addressed the rise in live-in relationships and the legal complications that arise when these relationships deteriorate. “The notion that live-in relationships are confined to certain socio-economic groups or urban areas is incorrect. These relationships are common across various segments of society, including rural areas. When they end poorly, women often seek our help for legal recourse,” she said.
Domestic abuse, sexual harassment at workplaces, and exploitation of young girls by family members are among the most frequent complaints received by the Commission. Additionally, Gill highlighted a troubling trend where elderly women are abandoned by their children after transferring property to them.
Acknowledging the challenge of a significant case backlog, Gill revealed that the Commission is actively seeking volunteers and interns to help manage the influx of new cases, which numbers between 20 and 25 daily. This effort aims to streamline case processing and ensure timely support for women in need.
Through these initiatives, the Punjab State Commission for Women is making strides in creating a more responsive and supportive system for addressing women’s issues across the state.
