Shot, edited, directed by Ankur Kapoor, ‘Second Wind’ is a 20 minute documentary, which takes up the cases of three survivors of domestic violence, and narrates their life journeys, from the beginning of their abuse, to their current state.

‘Second Wind’ tells the heartwrenching stories of Ruksana, Nanhi Devi and Shabnam. Ruksana was married when she was young, as her family feared that she being crippled would affect chances of marriage in the future. She faces humiliation and endured abuse by her husband, in front of their children, and one day decided it was enough. She went to one of CSR’s Crisis Intervention Centres (CICs) initially to seek help, and today, she is appointed as an assistant counselor there. Nanhi Devi, was abused to such a great degree by her husband that she became handicapped, and would crawl in order to move around. Some women took her to the CIC, which collected money for her operation, and subsequent medical care, and today she’s able to walk on her feet. Shabnam was married when she was 13, and had her first child when she was 14. Her husband tried to poison her when she had contracted tuberculosis. But it was only when he poisoned her young son, subsequently killing him, did she seek divorce. Today she lives with her one surviving son, attends CIC meetings as often as she can, and manages to earn her own money.

The documentary covers not only the life stories of these three women, but it also shows what an important and supportive role which the CICs play. They act as an initial contact point for these women to share their problems with, and then, they act as a bridge between the police and these women, in case they need to seek police intervention. The documentary displays how the CICs provide the distressed women with information about their legal rights, and once they’re on their own, the CICs help them to stand on their own two feet, and become independent- not just in terms of working and earning money, but also becoming stronger individuals.

‘Second Wind’ is a crisp, hard hitting and soul stirring piece of work, which raises awareness about the plight of not just Ruksana, Nanhi Devi and Shabnam, but also of the countless, nameless women across the country and the world. It also provides hope and strength, especially when the women talk about their lives as of now, and how help from the CICs has changed their lives for the better. Above all, ‘Second Wind’ makes the viewer think about domestic violence and its repercussions, long after it’s over.

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By Ranjani Raghunathan – Intern, Media & Communication Division

The recent uproar over the three BJP ministers in the Karnataka state assembly watching pornographic clips during assembly proceedings causes one to look closely at the issue of cyber pornography, and its legal as well as social implications.

While Indian statutes do not use the term ‘pornography’, the word ‘obscenity’ appears in Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as in Section 67 of the IT Act. Both these statutes essentially anything that is (a) lascivious (excites lust) or (b) appeals to the prurient interest (characterized by lustful thoughts) or, (c) if its effect is to deprave and corrupt persons would be considered to be ‘obscene’.

It needs to be noted that while watching pornography is not illegal in India, the fact that the ministers were watching it during assembly proceedings, is a clear violation of the trust and faith put in them by the electorate. What appears hypocritical is that while our political leaders often give commentaries on morality, and the so called ‘ill effects’ of Westernization, they themselves engage in activities which are far from moral, especially since this particular incident occurred within a public domain. Many of our politicians often speak for women’s rights and furthering the causes pertaining to women on a public forum, but this episode is a clear display of the prevailing negative attitude towards women. What is even more glaring about this particular incident is that one of the leaders was the Minister for Women and Child Development, Mr. C.C. Patil, who had earlier this year made a comment on women dressing less provocatively, so as to remain ‘safe’.

It is to be noted that these ministers resigned immediately, once the matter was brought to notice. However, their acts shouldn’t be forgotten so easily, and they should be punished for their actions, so that political leaders understand the sanctity of their powerful position and learn to behave in a responsible manner.

By Sophie Hardefeldt, Intern – Gender Training Institute.

In general women’s rights advocated promote gender neutral legislation. This is because in many cases existing legislation is outdated, is discriminatory towards women or restricts women’s rights. However, in some cases where legislation is focused on violations that particularly effect women there is a need for legislation to reflect this.

Legislation focusing on issues such as rape and sexual assault, domestic violence and sexual harassment in the workplace are examples where the gendered nature of these crimes must be taken into consideration in the legislation.

It is estimated that throughout the world one in every five women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime. Furthermore, “Violence kills and disables as many women between the ages of 15 and 44 as cancer. And its toll on women’s health surpasses that of traffic accidents and malaria combined.” In India “9 percent of men and women… think that it is sometimes or always justifiable for a man to beat his wife.”

This violence undermines women’s human rights, security and health whilst also impacting society more generally by reducing women’s safety, increasing public health costs, restricting women’s ability to contribute socially, culturally and economically to society, and restricting the health and development of children.

Rape and sexual assault also affects men, and it is important that violence against men is also covered by legislation to ensure male victims are protected by the law. However, it is evident that women are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and it is important that legislation reflects this vulnerability and that government responses to violence against women address the gender inequality and discrimination that underpins it.

By Urmi Bhattacharyya, Intern – Development division

At the Centre for Social Research, 24th of January is a day for celebration. It is a day for celebrating the rights of the girl child and promoting gender equality in society. It is also a day for recognising women who have raised their voice against violence and those who have spent their lives fighting against the long-standing injustice done to women. It is a day to thank those who have paved a better future for the women of tomorrow and to support the next generation of women leaders to find there voice- it is the NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY!

In an initiative to raise awareness of women’s rights at the grassroot level, CSR celebrated the National Girl Child Day with 40 young girls from its four Crisis Intervention Centres across Delhi. The Celebration commenced with a welcome note by Vikram Sheoran on the importance of the National Girl Child Day for young women and girls across India. This was followed by a interactive session by Dr. Anand Kumar, Professor at the Centre for Social Systems, Jawaharlal Nehru University, on the key issues effecting women and the girl child, and the attitude of the government and the society to these issues. His conversation also gave the participants an opportunity to discuss the issues they are facing in their personal lives.

The children were then invited to participate in a debate workshop which aimed to develop their confidence to express their opinions and ideas. The workshop involve several debated on themes relating to domestic violence, the stereotyping of women in television soaps, the right to education and women’s social security. This also developed their awareness of the central issues preventing gender equality within India and to realise the reasons for observing the National Girl Child Day.

After lunch the new CSR documentary, Second Wind, was screened. The documentary focuses on three survivors of violence and follows their stories as they escape situations of violence and rebuild their lives as strong, independent women. It also looks at how CSR’s Crisis Intervention Centre’s assist the women to stand on their feet and enjoy a healthy life again.

The National Girl Child day was also used to launch CSR’s education scholarship programme which will assist girls whose families are facing financial problems, to continue their education.

Overall, the programme was successful in providing the girls with an opportunity to celebrate their rights and achievements and to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to demand the opportunities they deserve.