In a significant step towards supporting women and children affected by sexual abuse, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in collaboration with the Savitribai Phule Women’s Resource Centre, has established a “One-Stop Crisis Centre”.
This facility will provide comprehensive support including counseling, legal assistance, and cyber help. Additionally, under the “Responsive Netizens” initiative, a dedicated Cyber Wellness Centre has also been launched to ensure online safety for women and children.
Both centres were inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of actress Sonali Kulkarni. The event was also attended by BMC Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the Savitribai Phule Women’s Resource Centre Committee, Chanda Jadhav, along with other committee members.
BMC, First Municipal Body in India to Adopt Vishakha Guidelines
BMC has become the first municipal corporation in India to adopt the Vishakha Guidelines — directives issued by the Supreme Court to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace. Under the direction of BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the guidance of Additional Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, a dedicated committee has been functioning within BMC to ensure justice and awareness around workplace harassment.
This committee has been active since 1997 and organizes various awareness programs aimed at preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. At present, there are 92 such committees operating within BMC.
Speaking at the event, actress Sonali Kulkarni said, “I feel genuinely proud that women are working efficiently and progressing across all sectors. It is essential to remain vigilant to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces. We must always remember that raising our voice against the crimes we see, hear, or experience is not just our responsibility, but our duty.”
