Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/ 17th November to 24th November 2018

Sexual violence is a global pandemic. One in three women experiences sexual or physical violence – most likely from their intimate partner, according to a report from the World Health Organization. There is an urgent need to increase sensitization regarding sexual violence and the awareness of consent and sexual violence amongst persons at large. In this series, we examine sexual violence and related issues that have come up in the news, on a weekly basis, published every Saturday. This is an attempt to improve awareness regarding incidents of sexual violence and related matters, so that we, as a society can take steps towards collective action to reduce its incidence. It is an effort to ensure that we acknowledge the rampant sexual violence that exists, lest we forget.

This issue looks at 17th November to 24th November 2018.

1. Cricket and the games

International Cricket Council (ICC) is to jot down new policies on sexual harassment at their Quarterly meeting. Following the #MeToo Movement, they are to have strict rules and regulations called ‘Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines’. The rules are to be set before ICC Women’s WT20 which began on 9 November in the West Indies.

2. Kerala has judgements to make

After the Sabarimala issue, Kerala is to handle allegations against KT Jaleel and PK Sasi. The 13-day long short session is to bring a lot of serious issues in front of the house. Like the Sabarimala issue, nepotism charges against Minister K T Jaleel and sexual harassment charges against P K Sasi MLA.  

3. A win for #MeToo

Priya Ramani says she feels vindicated after MJ Akbar resigns over sexual harassment allegations. Akbar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, stepped down on Wednesday. Akbar has filed a defamation case against the journalist. 

4. Report sexual harassment online

The Women and Child Development Ministry have linked the online portal for reporting sexual harassment at workplaces to all central and state ministries for quick responses to the issues at hand. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said it is a proactive step following #MeToo Movement.

5. Tycoons do it all

Tycoons of big companies have been under investigation for corruption cases but now they are under investigations for alleged sexual harassment. The infamous tycoons include Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Nissan, Binny Bansal, Co-founder and group CEO, Flipkart. and many more.