In today’s world of social networking platforms, how many of us believe that we are in a safe zone? Danger lurks in various forms including the social media Apps as whatever we upload on these platforms becomes part and parcel of the public domain. Therefore care should be taken before posting any picture or sharing any personal information with a virtual friend.
These were a few points shared by social activist Sunitha Krishnan with girl students studying Classes VIII to XII in an interactive session organised as part of the investiture ceremony and a felicitation programme by Kendriya Vidyalaya Waltair Alumni Association at KV Waltair. The Padma Shri awardee said that those who have been enduring sexual abuse need to break the silence.
“Remaining silent and tolerant indirectly encourage the perpetrator to continue committing crime. So it is essential to break the silence, report and seek help through appropriate channels to stand up for yourself,” says Dr. Krishnan, who is a member of Andhra Pradesh State Women’s Commission.
Citing the example of Salem-based Vinupriya who committed suicide for facing harassment on Facebook after her morphed image was tagged on a fake account, Dr. Krishnan cautioned the youngsters not to post any of their single photos on social networking sites. “Online validation in the form of ‘likes’ is not required to certify someone is beautiful,” says the KV Waltair alumnus.
A number of girls found the interactive session a platform to open up and share their past experiences. “No experience can really be a bad experience as we can turn that as an opportunity to learn. It is up to us how we perceive things. Every challenge that I faced in my life became a turning point for me,” says Dr. Krishnan, who is co-founder of anti-trafficking organisation Prajwala. She has so far rescued 16,000 girls and women from the flesh trade and prevented 8,000 children from being pushed into prostitution.
A relentless crusader
Dr. Krishnan says that she has launched a crusade against human trafficking braving against all odds. “The defence mechanism starts from within. We have immense strength to combat sexual violence. Let us not give a chance to offenders to get away with what they want because they are the ones who should be blamed and shamed not the victims,” she sums up.
