I'm so delighted to share that our petition has achieved its ask. The University Grants Commission secretary Rajnish Jain has directed the vice-chancellors of all affiliated Indian universities and colleges to submit an elaborate ICC report on cases of sexual harassment for the period of April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, along with the ICC details, by July 31, 2019, as per news reports. This annual report is a huge step towards making universities accountable by exposing the reality of Internal Complaints Committees across the country, and pressurizing universities without an ICC to act immediately.
And you made this happen. We all did, together.
It's a happy, hopeful lining, one we've been lobbying for, for almost 6 months now. Our impact is the power of collective concern and acting to one's capacity - small actions go a long way.
But our road doesn't end here, and I'm not declaring this petition a victory yet. We mustn't stop until ALL students irrespective of their gender and ethinicity can feel truly safe to pursue their education and their goals.
We have to ensure these ICC reports aren't misinformed paperwork. For this, student representatives of ICCs have to be more involved and students across India have to be aware of their rights and what ICCs are supposed to do and be. If an university doesn't have a compliant ICC, NOW is the time to act. We need awareness. We need involvement.
Let's propel this movement further. Any suggestions are more than welcome.
Meanwhile, I also want to thank each one of you so much for supporting the Safer Campuses petition thus far. I’ve learnt SO much from so many of you during this campaign and I gained from experiences I never anticipated I would have when I initiated the petition horrified by the accounts of all that was happening around me. Some of you opened up about your own stories of battling harassment in your university with an incredible amount of vulnerability and strength. The solidarity I have witnessed in the petition interactions has felt as warm as familial love and massively empowering.
We've come quite a way and have more miles to go to get truly #SaferCampuses. Let's keep the bustle on. Keep sharing this petition and initiating the right conversations about ICCs on social media or in your legions. Reach out if you need any support. I'll be back with more updates about the campaign.
Parting with much hope today,
Samriddhi