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Gender Rights

The Problem

Increased Crime Rate

Assam has consistently ranked as the state with the highest rate of crime against women in India for the 5th consecutive year according to the National Crime Records Bureau and a low rate of charge sheets ( 52.9% in 2021).  The rate of crime against women in Assam in 2021 was 168.3, significantly higher than the national rate of 64.5. Assam recorded 29,046 cases of crime against women, marking a 10.22% increase from 2020.

Quality of Life and Overall Development

The Assam Human Development Report (2014) highlights a Gender Inequality Index of 0.375, indicating significant gender disparities leading to a potential loss of 37% in human development. The lack of adequate sanitation facilities for female workers in Tea Gardens and informal sectors led to various challenges regarding menstrual health and hygiene.

Governance

Representation of women, and individuals with diverse gender identities in governance including elected bodies of the State Assembly, Parliament or various Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule in Assam is notably low.

 

 

Our Solution

The legal assistance and justice provided by our criminal justice system frequently fall short of addressing the requirements of survivors. Our primary emphasis lies in promoting well-being, facilitating trauma recovery, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering employment prospects, among other aspects.

We are committed to providing extensive legal and paralegal support to survivors of various forms of violence, including Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment, POCSO, Cyber Crime, Immoral Trafficking, rape, and more. Our dedicated legal core team possesses the professional skills and expertise required to assist survivors in their pursuit of justice and compensation.

Our Training and Awareness Programmes enhance the understanding of the legal, social, and political landscapes surrounding gender-based violence. Utilizing creative mediums such as conversation performances, movie screenings, dialogue exchanges, poster making, and street plays, we actively raise awareness about these issues.

PBET also plays a vital role in networking with stakeholders and facilitating collaboration between government and non-government organizations like One Stop Centre, Helplines, CWC, DCPU, and others. Additionally, we implement a comprehensive Menstrual Health Programme to empower women and girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity.

Our Key Milestones

Legal Cases and Advocacy

  • Since 2009, 582 survivors have received legal and paralegal assistance.
  • Five survivors and their family members have received compensation of 10.9 lakhs
  • 24×7 helpline number (8453981110) is made available to women in distress.
  • Evolution of Forum – “Pitritontro aru Lingobhittik Hinxabirodhi Mancha”
  • Training on Laws and Acts related to women’s and children’s rights, case documentation, gender and feminism for young advocates, feminist participatory action research and gender beyond binary
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Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy

  • Training modules and handbooks for the Menstrual Hygiene champions were developed in Assamese.
  • Around 7000 women, men, girls, and youth were impacted through awareness and training programs.
  • 3500 reusable cloth pads are distributed in Jorhat, Tinisukia and Lakhimpur districts.
  • Community people are engaged in the dissemination of knowledge resources on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.