Women | Citizen Matters, Chennai

சென்னையில் போக்ஸோ வழக்குகள்: தாமதிக்கப்பட்ட நீதி மறுக்கப்பட்ட நீதியாகிறது

January 23, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Hundreds of POCSO cases have been languishing in Chennai courts due to lack of adequate infrastructure and procedural lapses. Read the tamil translation of our article detailing the issues in getting speedy justice in POCSO cases.

POCSO cases in Chennai: Where justice delayed is justice denied

January 16, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Despite stringent laws on paper, justice in child sex abuse (CSA) cases is a far cry, suggests five-year-old data shared by Greater Chennai Police. What delays justice in these cases, and what are the long-term implications?

Chennai helplines for women suffering abuse, gender violence or mental health issues

January 15, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Women facing gender-based violence and abuse, or suffering from mental health issues, can seek help by dialling any one of these government helplines or by reaching out to these non-profits that offer assistance and support in times of specific need.

அம்மா ரோந்து வாகனங்கள்: பெண்கள் உதவிமையத்திற்கு 15000 அழைப்புகள்-துணை ஆணையர் ஜெயலஷ்மி தகவல்

December 6, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Here’s a Tamil translation of the interview with H Jayalakshmi, DCP of the Crime against Women and Children (CWC) wing, in which she talks about how the Amma Patrol service is making the city safer for women and children.

15000 calls to women’s helpline since launch of Amma Patrol: DCP H Jayalakshmi

November 27, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

The Amma Patrol is part of the Tamil Nadu government’s initiative that saw the formation of the Crime against Women and Children (CWC) wing in June 2019. We spoke to the Deputy Commissioner, CWC wing, to find out how the patrol service works.

A bangle for a dream: A tale of uncertain futures along the Buckingham canal

October 29, 2019 Sukriti Vats

A group of residents along the Buckingham Canal in R A Puram live under the imminent threat of eviction, worried about the loss of livelihood and the homes they have built over decades of hard work.

Why water scarcity never ceases to haunt the women of Chennai

September 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Intermittent rains in Chennai may have eased the situation but water continues to be a scarce resource. And across the city, regardless of social class, women invariably bear the brunt and are expected to make arrangements to quench the family’s thirst.

Know more about human milk banks in Chennai that are helping many new mothers

August 7, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Human milk banks store excess milk from lactating mothers and give them to others who have problems breastfeeding their infants. But ignorance and misconceptions prevent this facility from functioning optimally. Here’s what neonatologists have to say.

A day spent with cops in one of Chennai’s all women police stations

August 6, 2019 M Varsha

Marked by long work hours, lack of support system and complex roles, what is life like for female police personnel in Chennai? We spent a day at the D1 All Women Police Station to learn more about the many challenges faced by these women in khaki.

Why it’s time for all citizens to push for more women in Parliament

July 29, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Only 14 per cent of the parliamentarians in Lok Sabha are women. Despite lip service by all political parties, the Women’s Reservation Bill remains the longest pending bill in Parliament. Perhaps it is time for citizens to take up the fight?

To fight sexual harassment of women, it is important to continue to talk: Chinmayi Sripada

May 27, 2019 Swati Amar

Chinmayi Sripada, one of the earliest and most prominent faces of the #MeToo movement in India, was recently denied permission to hold a protest in Chennai against the clean chit to CJI Ranjan Gogoi in a case of sexual harassment. In this interview, Chinmayi tells us why she chose to take this case up, and about her activism on this issue in general.

Meet Thamizhachi Thangapandian, MP-elect from Chennai South

May 25, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Meet South Chennai MP elect: Thamizhachi Thangapandian promises to be a strong voice for women South Chennai had been a DMK bastion for a long time, until 2014. J Jayavardhan, son of AIADMK MLA, D

I am a frustrated Indian citizen who wants reform: Kameela Nasser

April 15, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Kameela Nasser is the Makkal Needhi Maiam candidate from Chennai Central constituency. In this interview, Kameela talks about her party’s poll promises and why she wants to be an MP.

Will provide a strong voice for women: Thamizhachi Thangapandian

April 5, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

In an exclusive interview, DMK candidate from Chennai South, Thamizhachi Thangapandian talks about her plans for the constituency, if elected, and the ways in which she can outperform her predecessor.

Chennai’s growing tryst with alcohol, cannabis and LSD and how to curb it

March 18, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Dry lizard tail, nail polish remover and brown sugar — did you know these constitute growing addictions among the young and old in Chennai? Take a look at the reasons behind the vicious growth of substance abuse in the city and how the government could step in to curb the problem.

Women achievers in Chennai we bet you haven’t heard of!

March 8, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

They spent the best parts of their life toiling in brutal, inhuman conditions, as modern day slaves, right here in the city. But has it broken their spirit or zeal for life? No. This International Women’s Day, we bring you the story of two women, rescued from bonded labour, who are rebuilding their lives with grit and courage.

Chennai Buzz: Mild tremors in city | Heavy penalties for plastic use | Turtle conservation zone…and more

February 16, 2019 News Desk

How much do you have to pay for the maximum distance travelled by Metro? What are the penalties for plastic ban violations? How is Chennai planning to save Olive Ridley turtles? Catch this and more on the weekly news buzz here.

Helping a homeless, mentally ill woman in Chennai: A personal experience

February 9, 2019 S Sudharshan

M S Paoyaola, a committed second year student of social work at the Madras Christian College, came upon a homeless, mentally ill young woman near the streets of St Thomas Mount. Her experience thereafter says a lot about how we can become a more empathetic city in general.

மனஅழுத்தமா? உதவிட காத்திருக்கும் ஹெல்ப்லைன்கள்

January 31, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

மனஅழுத்தத்தால் அவதிப்படுபவர்களுக்கு
உதவிடகாத்திருக்கும் ஹெல்ப்லைன்கள் என்ன? அவற்றை எப்படி பயன்படுத்துவது?

Helplines to dial when you are depressed

January 25, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Chennai witnesses a significantly high rate of suicides. Helplines serve as one of the last resorts of suicidal persons in the city who can seek help from trained professionals in their darkest hour.