Empowering Women: India’s New Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence

India Launches National Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence

In a transformative step toward ensuring the dignity and safety of women, the Government of India launched the national campaign #AbKoiBahanaNahi in New Delhi. This collaborative initiative between the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, supported by UN Women, aims to eradicate gender-based violence by fostering accountability, raising awareness, and empowering women to assert their rights.

Union Ministers Smt. Annpurna Devi and Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the event, emphasizing the urgency of addressing gender-based violence to achieve a developed and inclusive India. The campaign draws inspiration from the United Nations’ global #NoExcuse movement, leveraging its principles to address the alarming rise in violence against women.

Building a Gender-Inclusive Nation

Smt. Annpurna Devi highlighted the need to empower women to break free from societal constraints and report injustices without fear. She reiterated the campaign’s focus on advancing the rights of women and individuals of diverse genders while fostering systemic change.

“Empowering women to break societal constraints and fight for their dignity is the essence of #AbKoiBahanaNahi,” said Smt. Annpurna Devi.

The campaign aligns with the Government of India’s broader mission of women-led development. By implementing policies to reduce women’s economic and social burdens, such as healthcare access, safe mobility, and financial inclusion, the government underscores its zero-tolerance stance toward gender violence.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that true empowerment is multifaceted, requiring social, political, and educational advancements. “Women’s full and equal contribution is essential for India’s growth as a developed nation by 2047,” he remarked.

A Call to Action: Breaking the Cycle of Violence

The #AbKoiBahanaNahi campaign serves as a national call to action, urging all stakeholders—government bodies, service providers, and citizens—to take decisive steps toward ending violence against women and girls. The campaign was launched in conjunction with the Nayi Chetna 3.0 initiative, further amplifying its reach.

The event showcased a film emphasizing the collective responsibility of stakeholders to pledge against gender violence. It also featured participation from women leaders of Self-Help Groups, One Stop Centre staff, and Aanganwadi workers, reinforcing the grassroots approach to spreading awareness.

Key initiatives include improving public care infrastructure, bridging the gender digital divide, and creating safe accommodations for women. These efforts aim to empower women and remove barriers to their active participation in all spheres of life.

Catalyzing Change Through Awareness

The campaign coincides with the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism, which runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This global movement raises awareness about gender-based violence and calls for accountability from all sectors.

By integrating this international framework, #AbKoiBahanaNahi underscores the importance of justice, equity, and systemic transformation. Its goal is to create a ripple effect of change, ensuring women’s safety becomes a national priority.

Towards a Viksit Bharat

The campaign reaffirms India’s commitment to achieving a developed nation status by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Women’s full participation in the economy and society is crucial to realizing this vision. Gender-based violence not only threatens women’s safety but also hampers their ability to contribute as equal partners in the nation’s development.

Through #AbKoiBahanaNahi, the government emphasizes that ending violence is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal imperative. The campaign’s integration of policy reforms and grassroots initiatives ensures that no woman is left behind in the journey toward empowerment.

A United Stand for Women’s Rights

The campaign launch signifies a decisive shift in India’s approach to tackling gender violence. With the support of UN Women, the combined efforts of multiple ministries, and the participation of citizens across the country, #AbKoiBahanaNahi seeks to build a safer, more equitable future.

This initiative challenges every individual to rise against gender-based violence and pledge accountability, making women’s safety and dignity a shared responsibility. As the campaign gathers momentum, it holds the promise of transforming societal attitudes and creating a nation where women can live without fear or discrimination.

The message is clear: Ab Koi Bahana Nahi—no more excuses, no more delays.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)