Expressing concern over society’s failure to check violence against women and girls, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday underlined the need for change in the mindset of the society to ensure a safe environment for them.
“We have been shocked by the violence against girls and women on the streets and at their homes. Of course, this is not universal but it is very widespread. Change should come from our homes, schools and universities,” she said after laying the foundation stone for a girls’ hostel at the Jamia Milia Islamia University campus.
The proposed hostel is expected to accommodate 400 students. The university currently has five girls’ hostels, accommodating over 850 students. Besides triple-bedded room.
It was on Sonia’s active intervention that the University Grants Commission sanctioned `26 crore for constructing the hostel, university officials said.
Pointing out that the government, Parliament and institutions like police have to discharge their role, Sonia reiterated that society at large need to change its mindset towards women.
“It pains me that as a society, we have failed to counter it (violence against women) and create a safe environment where they can live and flourish without being constantly in the fear of abuse and molestation,” she concluded.