Newly appointed chairperson of the National Commission of Women (NCW) Vijaya Rahatkar on Tuesday outlined her two main goals for her tenure: holding perpetrators of crimes against women accountable and fostering an environment where such offenders fear legal repercussions.
Emphasising the need for a strong deterrent, she stated, “We must make sure that those with this mentality are punished.” Taking over the charge of the new post, she affirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing these objectives as part of its ongoing mission to protect and empower women.
In her first address after assuming office, she stressed on her commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence.
“This is a role of great responsibility, and I will strive to fulfill it to the best of my ability,” Rahatkar said, recognising the pressing issues women face today.
She also addressed the public’s perception of the commission’s work, noting that while not all of its efforts are visible, the NCW remains committed to pushing forward on its commitment.
“Not everything comes to the forefront, but the commission keeps working, and we will continue to expand our efforts,” Rahatkar added.
According to a statement issued by the Union Women and Child Development Ministry a few days ago, Rahatkar has demonstrated leadership skills across various political and social responsibilities.
During her tenure as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021), she spearheaded initiatives like “Sakshama” (support for acid attack survivors), “Prajwala” (linking self-help groups to Central government schemes), and “Suhita” (a 24×7 helpline service for women).
The NCW, a statutory body, is empowered to work towards the advancement of women’s rights. Its mandate includes reviewing the constitutional and legal safeguards provided for women.
