[ZESTCaste] Dalit women still face harassment: DSS

http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/19/stories/2010121961520300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Dalit women still face harassment: DSS

Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA: Given their social, educational, economic and political
backwardness, dalit women and girl children continue to be victims of
class, caste and gender exploitation, according to Dalit Stree Sakthi
State convener Gaddam Jhansi. DSS is a community-based women's
organisation working for the rights of dalit women.

Speaking at a round table conducted on the sidelines of the 5th
district meeting of the DSS here on Saturday, she alleged that the
atrocities against dalit women were on the rise and the sexual
exploitation of girls and women of the dalit community was frequent.
Citing instances of dalit women and girls in Krishna district being
attacked sexually and on the basis of caste, she said, "Though the
higher-ups of various departments had reacted favourably to punish the
guilty, the lower rung officials had neglected implementation of the
orders in many cases."

"Take the case of rape and murder of 14-year-old Ghanta Sirisha of
Bapujinagar in Gudivada. This seventh standard student of Navodaya
convent complained to her parents about her school principal who used
to harass her. They convinced the girl to stay on in the school till
the completion of the examinations but they were shocked to hear the
news that she was no more. She was raped and murdered but the school
management described it as suicide. The parents and relatives pointed
to the injuries on her legs and contended that it was a rape and
murder. Justice has been denied to the parents in this case," Ms.
Jhansi said.

Vijay Daniel Prakash, who is working on the issue of children's
rights, criticised the Act brought in by the State government to
protect the children's rights. He said that even after the enactment
of this legislation "we do not know how many cases have been filed and
resolved."

Appreciating the services being rendered by the DSS, Assistant Social
Welfare Officer Mary Bharathy called upon the dalit women to get
united to achieve their rights.

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