Girls not safe at homes too, say counsellors

LUDHIANA: Many girl students in the city are facing sexual harassment and to deal with the situation colleges have counsellors who help them, besides women's forums and student councils where the problem is taken up.
Mahinder Kaur, the convener of women's forum at Government College for Women, said, "The forum was established in 2007 keeping in view the rising number of instances of sexual harassment and assaults faced by students.Till now we have had more than 200 cases of sexual harassment where students have come to us and discussed their problems. But of late there has been a rise in awareness amongst girls and they speak more openly about the issue."
She added, "We make sure that students are confident enough to deal with sexual harassment. Surprisingly the problem is not faced as much on roads, bus stands or parkings, as at homes and we have had many girls complaining that they are harassed and even molested by relatives at homes. At times we have even called the parents for counselling and told them how to deal with such situations."
Paramjit Kaur, the student council in charge at Government College, said, "We hold meetings twice a month and every month 15 to 20 girls complain about being harassed. We also hold self-defence activity after the meetings, besides seminars are also held where prominent people and activists from the city are invited. I personally feel that girls should start speaking and reacting to such situations."
Amardeep Kaur, 20, a B.Com student, who is a resident of Haibowal said, "There cannot be a foolproof solution to this problem. The mindset of the people will have to change if things are to improve. Boys have to be taught values and respect for women, and these things have to be start from homes."
The Delhi protests against rape have brought about nationwide awareness and girls are coming out and speaking out against sexual harassment. Ishmeet Kaur, 22, a fine arts student, who is a resident of Model Town said, "The moment the college gets over, boys speeding on bikes and cars start flocking the college gates, singing obscene songs and passing comments. At times I ignore them, but when it gets too much, I glare at them."
Kanwaljit Kaur, principal, Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women said, "We have seminars and talks, where girls take up the issue of sexual harassment. We have counselling programmes where we teach them to be brave and to react to such situations, rather than be quiet. Besides, self-defence training is also provided to them."