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Does justice always prevail?

The government has put in place strict laws and provisions to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. But how effective is the on-ground implementation, when it comes to women who face dual discrimination due to their gender and impairment?

Recently, the Eyeway helpline received a call from Pooja Vitekar, a 26-year-old visually impaired girl from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. She complained of regular physical and mental abuse by her family. While the stepmother harassed and deemed her worthless, Pooja’s father remained a mute spectator. She reached a point when she couldn’t take it anymore and decided to file an FIR against them. But the police took no action.

Eyeway advised her to approach the Women’s Grievance Cell but they turned her away, asking her to take the matter to Court on her own. Next, she registered an official complaint with the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Till date, she has received no acknowledgement or response from the authority in-charge of upholding the rights of the disabled.

In the meantime, our counselor is working hard to make Pooja self-sufficient and independent. We have recommended her to enroll in an institution to undergo proper rehabilitation. This includes training in mobility, activities of daily living including basic cooking, using computers via screen reading software, reading and writing using braille or audio material.

Once equipped with these skills, Pooja can pursue her education through distance learning, and eventually explore employment opportunities.

While Eyeway has given her hope and direction towards a better future, there are thousands of blind girls who are exploited because of their vulnerability. Who can they resort to? Who ensures that the machinery in place intervenes in time? Who holds the authorities responsible for their inaction?

Visit our website to know more about our work and support us, http//scorefoundation.org.in
 

Warm regards,

Team Eyeway
 

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