Anvay (अन्वय)

Respected Bhanwari Devi Ji

Bhanwari Devi is an Indian social activist known for her tireless efforts to combat child marriage and promote gender equality. Born in 1950 in Bhateri village, Rajasthan, Bhanwari Devi hails from a marginalized community and faced numerous challenges in her early life. Despite limited formal education, she became a beacon of change through her determined activism.

Women's activists and lawyers have propagated the view that Bhanwari attracted the ire of her rapists solely on the basis of her work. A number of groups which championed the latter view filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India, under the collective platform of Vishakha. The petition, filed by Vishakha and four other women's organizations in Rajasthan against the State of Rajasthan and the Union of India, resulted in what are popularly known as the Vishakha Guidelines. The judgment of August 1997 provided to basic definitions of sexual harassment at the workplace and provided guidelines to deal with it. It is seen as a significant legal victory for women's groups in India.

Bhanwari received honours both nationally and internationally. She was invited to be a part of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. In 1994, she was awarded the Neerja Bhanot Memorial Award carrying ₹1 lakh cash prize, for her "extraordinary courage, conviction and commitment".

Mamta Jaitly

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Kanchan Mathur

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Hon’ble Ms. Justice Hima Kohli

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Dr. Renuka Pamecha

Dr. Renuka Pamecha, a retired professor of political science from Kanodia College Jaipur, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her multifaceted roles in championing women's rights and empowerment.

In her role as the Chairperson of Vividha, the Women’s Documentation Centre in Jaipur, Dr. Pamecha actively contributes to the documentation and promotion of women’s issues. Additionally, she serves as the Secretary of Mahila Puranwas Samuh Samiti in Jaipur, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being and upliftment of women in the community.

As the Convenor of the Mahila Suraksha Evam Salah Kendra in Gandhi Nagar, situated in the Women’s Police Station in Jaipur (the first center of its kind in Rajasthan), Dr. Pamecha plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and support of women.

Her legacy as a founding member of the women’s movement in Rajasthan since 1970 reflects her pioneering spirit and dedication to advocating for women's rights and equality.

Dr. Pamecha's contributions extend to being a resource person for women rescues, where she imparts her knowledge through lectures to officers in Operation Theatres (OTs) and at the Police Academy, contributing to the training and development of law enforcement personnel.

In her capacity as the Chairperson of the Local Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) law in Jaipur District, Dr. Pamecha actively addresses and resolves complaints related to workplace harassment, further emphasizing her commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments.

Her significant impact is also evident in being a signatory of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court in 1992, leading to the landmark Vishakha Judgment. Dr. Pamecha's specialization in gender issues, women-related law, and counseling further solidify her position as a beacon of change and a tireless advocate for women's rights.