Increasing cases of sexual offences are a major cause of concern: MSCW chief
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 8: The rise in crimes against women in matrilineal Meghalaya has come as a sobering reminder that no society is immune to violence and inequality.
The surge in such crimes has put the spotlight on the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) and its newly-appointed chairperson, Iamonlang Syiem, a sociology professor who headed the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
A month into her tenure as the MSCW chairperson, she seeks to address both the symptoms and root causes of such crimes.
“This is not a job to be relished but a responsibility to be shouldered. It is not a matter of liking or disliking,” she said.
Recent data reveals a disturbing rise in crimes, particularly in East Khasi Hills and Garo Hills. Syiem noted that the matrilineal system has been over-romanticised as one that offers women protection and empowerment, creating a false sense of security.
The figures show that the state has recorded 58% of cases of sexual offences. The period from 2007 to 2022 recorded the highest instances of cases falling under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
This data underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the societal dynamics at play.
The chairperson, however, was against interpreting these figures without context. “We can have our perceptions and observations of what’s happening in society, but we need to get reliable data,” she said, asserting the importance of a data-driven approach to solving problems.
One of the major challenges in addressing violence against women in Meghalaya is a legitimate concern that such crimes are fuelled by factors such as the ubiquity of social media and the erosion of traditional societal norms. The accessibility of harmful content, like pornography, and the weakening of societal controls are seen as contributing factors.
The other is the perception that the rise in crimes against women is due to the increased reporting of such cases rather than an actual spike in incidents. “There seems to be an increase in the number of cases, maybe because women are coming out, people are reporting more,” Syiem said.
However, challenges persist in rural areas where access to law enforcement agencies and the financial burden of seeking help can be significant barriers. “If they have the local women groups and also maybe the local bodies, village headmen, if they are sensitive… then they become more approachable,” she said, highlighting the importance of grassroots support in tackling these issues.
She said she favoured data-driven systemic changes that would provide lasting protection and empowerment. The commission is planning several studies and research projects to gather data, particularly on recurring issues like maintenance for single mothers, she added.
She said that such an approach would help the commission identify the patterns and frequency of cases to develop more effective interventions.
Syiem said she intends to call on women’s groups across communities. “We need to learn about the problems of women from women,” she said.
The chairperson touched upon several complex societal issues, including the impact of social media on the victims of violence and the challenges faced by marginalised groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community.
She also said the commission is aware of the concerns over the rising cases of prostitution in prominent areas of Shillong such as Khyndai Lad.
“We have to do some probing first and find out,” she said, indicating that any action must be humane and based on investigation and understanding of the underlying issues.
She expressed empathy for those involved in activities such as prostitution.
Syiem hoped that the commission’s efforts to digitize and analyse data would strengthen their strategies and aid researchers and policymakers.