Witch-hunt perpetrators should be punished

RANCHI: UN Women India representative Rebecca Reichmann Tavares is in Ranchi for the two-day (November 3-4) national consultation on rural livelihood for women and the challenges they face on multiple fronts. The programme has been organised by UN Women (United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women) in partnership with ministry of rural development.

In an interview to HT, Rebecca spoke about the challenges faced by women in Jharkhand and the steps taken by the UN at an international-level to ensure gender equality.

The practice of witch-hunting is rampant in Jharkhand What steps can be taken to combat this grave problem?

Top leaders of the state must take this very seriously as this is a form of extreme manifestation of violence against women and a violation of their basic right to life. Most of these killings are motivated by economic gains. The perpetrators must be treated as criminals and punished accordingly, as the practice has been abolished by law (Prevention of Witch Practices Act, 2001).

What steps are taken at the internationallevel by the UN to ensure gender equality in India?

The UN works with the government and civil society to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). India has also signed the convention which pledges empowerment of women, ensuring their rights and participation in political life and decision-making.

What livelihood options can single women or widows opt for especially in rural areas where they are struggling to sustain themselves and their families?

Legal action needs to be taken to guarantee rights of widows. This includes naming land, property and other assets in the name of women and not just the man of the family. They should also be given timely widow pension.

How can UN help in women’s development and empowerment in Jharkhand?

We need to ensure proper and efficient implementation of the existing laws. A general awareness about rights of women is

also needed.