Hinsa Ko No: A lifeline for DV survivors
SMART NGO and its partner community radio stations conduct sessions with women’s groups to educate them about domestic violence, its various forms, stages, and legal remedies.
Sneha Khatri
Nuh, Haryana: In the 21st century, despite remarkable advancements and futuristic aspirations such as flying cars and interplanetary colonization, our society still grapples with fundamental issues of equality. Gender-based discrimination and violence remain pervasive challenges. In India, many women are victims of domestic violence, deeply rooted in a patriarchal system where women are often conditioned from a young age to believe they are inferior to men. This systemic discrimination not only limits their opportunities but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and subjugation.
In response to this pressing issue, SMART NGO launched a transformative initiative in collaboration with 10 community radio stations across five states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Commencing in 2019, this project spans three years with the primary goal of combating gender-based violence in India.
Phase 1 of the project concluded successfully in 2022. In 2023, Phase 2 commenced with expanded goals and a larger scope, incorporating 13 community radio stations across seven states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chattisgarh. These stations are instrumental in producing radio episodes that raise awareness about gender-based violence and sexual harassment. In various villages, women’s groups are formed with one member serving as a supervisor.
These groups hold weekly meetings to listen to the narrowcasted episodes. Regular Monitoring & Evaluation sessions are conducted to assess the impact on women receiving training through the initiative. Initially, the initiative engaged with seven community radio stations, appointing Gender Equality Fellows (GEFs) to work within their communities. These fellows were tasked with collecting and reporting stories of women facing domestic violence, thereby enabling the Hinsa Ko No (HKN) team to provide necessary support and interventions. The project aims to deploy a total of 33 GEFs across both phases. Since 2019, Hinsa Ko No team has reached over 15000 women in Mewat through their training sessions and awareness programs. So far, 330 women in Mewat have found the courage to report cases of domestic violence.
SMART NGO and its partner community radio stations conduct sessions with women’s groups to educate them about domestic violence, its various forms, stages, and legal remedies. To date, approximately 2500 women across India have benefited from this initiative. The stories of these women are both harrowing and inspiring.
Parmeena, a widow from Rahena, manages her household by operating an atta chakki. After her husband's death, she endured violence from her in-laws. With support from Hinsa Ko No, she found the courage to become independent. She has three children, whose education she funds on her own.
One notable case is Lakheshwari. Despite her education, Lakheshwari faced severe restrictions from her in-laws and was subjected to mental exploitation. After enduring considerable hardship, she returned to her parents' home. Although her situation remains challenging, Lakheshwari now works in a salon and is involved in a political party. Her resilience is evident as she strives to empower other women to achieve independence.
Another significant story is that of Anjana. Married in 2002, Anjana faced severe abuse from her husband, who was a habitual drinker. Despite her efforts to manage the household and raise their children, she endured constant abuse and neglect. Eventually, Anjana sought refuge at her parents' home, but her husband’s abusive behavior persisted. She has yet to report her case formally, but she has sought advice from the HKN team.
The Hinsa Ko No initiative aims to empower women to stand up against violence and discrimination. By equipping them with knowledge and resources, the project strives to foster a society where every woman can live with dignity and independence. As the initiative progresses, there is hope that more women will find the strength to resist oppression and inspire others to do the same, ultimately paving the way for a more just and equitable world.
Hinsa Ko No is revolutionizing the fight against domestic violence. Through its comprehensive sessions and training programs, women are learning to recognize that domestic violence is unacceptable and should never be normalized. This awareness is a critical first step, empowering women to reject harmful behaviors they may have previously tolerated.
Moreover, Hinsa Ko No provides women with the confidence and support they need to stand up against abuse. Knowing that they are not alone and that people are willing to help boosts their morale and resilience.
The most impactful aspect of Hinsa Ko No is the practical information it offers. Women are educated on their rights and the steps they can take when confronted with violence. This includes legal advice, safety planning, and access to shelters and counseling services. With this knowledge, women can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families.
The journey towards gender equality is ongoing, but with continued efforts and support, significant progress can be made. The Hinsa Ko No project embodies this commitment, working tirelessly to create a world where gender-based violence and discrimination are eradicated, and every woman’s rights are upheld.