28/05/2024
TATVA Insights - POSH Series II
History of POSH
Bhanwari Devi’s story is a poignant and significant chapter in India’s social history, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence and for women’s rights.
Bhanwari Devi was born into a Kumhar (potter) family in Bhateri, Rajasthan. She became a grassroots worker, known as a saathin, employed by the Women’s Development Project (WDP) run by the Government of Rajasthan in 1985. Her work involved addressing issues related to land, water, literacy, health, and ensuring the payment of minimum wages.
In 1992, Bhanwari Devi made a bold stand against child marriage, which was still prevalent in her village despite being illegal. Her actions were part of a state government campaign against child marriages during Akha Teej, an auspicious date for marriages when many such events take place.
Her efforts to prevent a child marriage in her village led to a brutal gang r**e by men from the community. The assault was a form of retaliation for her activism.
The treatment Bhanwari Devi received from the police and the legal system was appalling. Despite her report, the accused were acquitted, which led to national and international media attention and became a landmark episode in India’s women’s rights movement.
The case eventually led to the formulation of the Vishaka Guidelines by the Supreme Court of India. These guidelines laid down procedures to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace and were a precursor to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Bhanwari Devi’s resilience in the face of such adversity has made her a symbol of the struggle for justice and women’s rights in India. Her story continues to inspire and drive the movement for gender equality and the protection of women against sexual violence.