International Womens' Conference on Global Trends in Crimes Against Women

Architects Of Change

As the world grapples with the pervasive issue of crimes against women, the recent International Women's Conference served as a pivotal platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Hosted by the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women and International Justice Mission to address global trends in crimes against women, the conference brought together leaders, activists, and stakeholders worldwide to share insights, strategies, and solutions. 

As a participant and speaker at the conference, I had the privilege of delivering the inaugural speech and setting the tone for meaningful discussions and initiatives. In my address, I emphasized the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat various forms of violence and discrimination faced by women worldwide. It was a powerful moment of unity and commitment to making a difference. We covered a lot of ground and I'll share some key insights as we go along in this article.

OSEC Breakout Session

Here are some of my take-aways from the conference:

1. Programs involving offenders are critically important but often overlooked in combatting crimes. With my background in criminology, I stress the significance of these programs. Much of the criminal intent comes from the offender's side, making this a crucial aspect of crime prevention. Yet there is not enough support in this area. 
   

2.  The need to recognise the pivotal role men can play in empowering women and ensuring their safety. By enabling men to break out of society's traditional and restrictive "man box," we encourage them to embrace vulnerability and reject outdated stereotypes of masculinity. This shift not only benefits women by promoting gender equality but also fosters healthier relationships and communities. Read more about how men can be allies here:
   

3. It's imperative to disrupt the pathways that lead to offenders, particularly in crimes like sexual exploitation and rape, which often stem from the consumption of violent pornography. During the breakout session for Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC), we took an empowering step by collectively pledging to avoid pornographic materials. This proactive stance not only helps in preventing harmful behavior but also contributes to creating a safer online environment for all.

BRICK MILL VISIT

The next day, we had the opportunity to visit a brick mill and interact with survivors of bonded labor. Witnessing firsthand the resilience and courage of these survivors was a humbling reminder of the harsh realities faced by many women around the world. Their stories served as a call to action, spurring us to advocate for policy reforms, provide support services, and work towards ending exploitative labor practices. I was so thrilled to know that they had now become owners of their own brick mill. 

Survivors of brick mills who work at mended.co. Brick Making Moving of Bricks After The Drying Process