This story is from May 18, 2016

Nirbhaya inmates exercise their right to vote for the first time in Kerala

Nirbhaya inmates exercise their right to vote for the first time in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Inmates of Nirbhaya shelter homes in Kerala had cast their votes for the first time on Monday. They are thrilled at their maiden voting experience and prefer to relive the experience by retaining the indelible electoral ink. As many as 22 inmates from Nirbhaya shelter homes in the state exercised their right to vote.
Among them, 18 inmates are from Nirbhaya shelter home in the state capital and all are victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking from various districts across the state, Nirbhaya project officials told TOI.

All first time voters in the age group of 18 to 22 years, the Nirbhaya inmates share their excitement. Taking a close look at the indelible phosphoric ink stain that lasts for not less than 72 hours on the forefinger, a 22 year-old inmate of Nirbhaya home here says “I wish to retain this ink mark till the college re-opens in the first week of June”. She is pursuing her LLB course and looks forward to become a magistrate to uphold justice.
While, a 21 year old inmate of the Nirbhaya home here finds her first voting experience a democratic right. “I was anxious to enter the polling booth. There was no big queue at that booth and I was the first one to enter. The officials seated there guided me and told me to press the button in the electronic voting machine in the ballot unit. I am not aware of politics, nor had decided whom to vote for, so pressed one,” she said. As a student pursuing her degree in commerce, she said this voter identity card and voting right in democracy goes a long way in giving her an identity as an individual in society.
An 18-year old inmate from the home who has cleared her higher secondary course said, “I was so curious to vote, because I had only heard about it. I am glad to experience it and this ink on my finger is proof of that and will show this to my friends”. The first time voters of the 11 Nirbhaya shelter homes across Kerala are trying to relive their experience and most of them see it as their right as individuals having received an identity in society.
Kerala Mahila Samkhya Society (KMSS) director PE Usha told TOI that “applying and getting a voter ID card for the inmates of Nirbhaya homes was the first step towards providing an identity for them and is part of bringing them to the society’s mainstream. Instead of victimising the victims further by finding fault with them, the society needs to change and support them in ensuring a dignified life”.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA