THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 13, 2026
Respecting a woman's dignity, choices and consent is the true expression
of strength, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar
said on Friday, asserting that stalking and pursuing women against their wishes
are unacceptable acts that undermine their safety, freedom and right to live
with dignity.
Addressing an Awareness Workshop on Stalking organised jointly by the
Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) and the National Commission for Women
(NCW), New Delhi, at Rama Devi Women's University here, she called for greater
awareness, timely reporting of harassment and collective efforts by families,
educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and society to create a safe
environment for women.
Highlighting the serious implications of stalking, Rahatkar said the
menace threatens not only women's physical safety but also their dignity,
mental well-being and freedom to lead independent lives. Drawing a distinction
between reel life and real life, she cautioned against romanticising unwanted
pursuit or attempts to exercise control over women, making it clear that such
behaviour cannot be justified under any circumstances.
"Respecting a woman's choices, consent and dignity is the true
expression of strength," she emphasised, urging people to develop a deeper
understanding of personal boundaries and mutual respect.
The workshop witnessed detailed deliberations on different forms and
manifestations of stalking, relevant legal provisions, preventive strategies,
deterrence mechanisms and support systems available to survivors. Rahatkar
urged women not to suffer harassment silently and encouraged them to report
such incidents without delay to the appropriate authorities.
Underscoring that women's safety is a shared responsibility, she called
for active participation from families, educational institutions, the
administration and society to prevent stalking and ensure effective protection
of women and girls.
She also urged young girls and women to remain aware of their rights and
the legal safeguards available to them. Emphasising the importance of
institutional support, she said women facing harassment or feeling unsafe could
seek police assistance, including through the provision of Zero FIR,
irrespective of jurisdiction. She also encouraged them to approach women police
officers to report their grievances without hesitation.
Drawing attention to the growing challenges in the digital space,
Rahatkar highlighted legal safeguards against cybercrimes, including the
creation of fake social media profiles, misuse of photographs and hacking of
mobile phones. She stressed the need for greater digital awareness and
vigilance to protect women's privacy and security.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ananta Narayan Singh
Laguri, Additional Secretary to Government, Women and Child Development
Department, and Convenor Secretary, Odisha State Commission for Women.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were Ramawatar Singh, Deputy Director, National Commission for Women, New Delhi, and Prof. Jyotsna K.B. Rout, Vice-Chancellor, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar. Prativa Satpathy, Dr. Kalpana Mallick and Mukta Sahoo were also present.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Urmila Mohapatra, Member, Odisha State Commission for Women, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, participants and all those associated with the successful organisation of the workshop.
