Focus on consensual love in the wake of rising rape cases
SHILLONG: Say it with ‘consent’ this Valentine’s Day.In a unique gesture, TUR will initiate a campaign on Tuesday to create awareness on consent at a time when rapes and other forms of sexual harassment are rampant in the State.TUR has decided to distribute stickers with messages like “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get my consent. If it is not yes, it is rape”.
The stickers – both in English and Khasi – will be distributed in public places, cafes, colleges and parks, including Ward’s Lake.
According to TUR leader Angela Rangad, the aim is to begin a conversation on issues of consent and safety as this will be one way of addressing the rise in sexual violence in Meghalaya.
“Practise consent. Whether on a date or in a marriage. No means no. Consent fosters respect and equality,” she said.
Rangad hoped that the social media and sticker campaign will open up discussion on notions of consent, safety, pleasure, equality and respect as this day is dedicated to love, initiating a conversation on consent is important.
The campaign will expand to talk about such issues in schools, colleges and at the community level, she said.
With the increasing reports of sexual assaults of various kinds such as rape, child sexual abuse, trafficking and sexual harassment at work places, TUR said in addition to ensuring speedy trials, convictions and streng-thening of the justice delivery system, there is a need for comprehensive social action to address the deeper causes that result in such violence.
“It is important that society acknowledges sex and sexuality and the need to have honest conversations with boys and girls, men and women on issues such as consent, negotiation, pleasure, bodily autonomy, boundaries, respect and gender equality,” Rangad said.
According to TUR, the response also has to be secular which will acknowledge realities of sexual lives of the society.
“Mere moral posturing will worsen the situation forcing the actual issues to be driven underground. Similarly, just a legalistic approach to crimes against women, children and sexual minorities will not have preventive impact,” TUR added.