Here's a group that helps highlight women's issues

Updated on: 25 January,2010 08:50 AM IST |
Shree Lahiri |

If you want to help disadvantaged women, Women's Front is the right group for you. Whether it's domestic violence or sexual harassment at workplace, this group unites people against all forms of injustice.

Alka Joshi, who heads Women's Front said, "My husband Neeraj (who heads the self-funded activist group Lokayat) and I worked on reform activities. But we realised that we aren't doing enough and hence, we decided to take up women's issues." Thus, in 2007, the started Women's Front was formed."

The group runs counselling centres for women in slums with the help of Pune Sahar Molkarin Sangatna. Besides, they regularly stage a one-act plays on women's issues in colleges across the city and screen documentaries on domestic violence.

"Many people are not aware that the Domestic Violence Act of 2005 includes violence not only by the husband but any male member of the family. A woman who files a complaint is lawfully entitled to protection," she said.

Joshi said, "When Dow Chemicals tried to set up their research unit in Shinde-Vasuli village, we worked hard to prevent it." They were successful in their attempt. But Joshi is not one to rest on her accomplishments.

"We are dedicating this year to creating awareness about the guidelines against sexual harassment at the workplace," she said. They are also trying to start a group of youngsters soon.

"We have already enlisted around 40 members," she said.