WSW Launches Training to Challenge Gender Violence
Telangana Women Safety Wing launched a two-day training programme at the University of Hyderabad to encourage men and boys to challenge harassment and gender-based violence.
Telangana Women Safety Wing (WSW) launched a two‑day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme at the University of Hyderabad on Monday under its #StandWithHer campaign, urging men and boys to challenge harassment, discrimination and gender‑based violence instead of remaining silent bystanders.
The programme, held at the School of Social Sciences on Monday and Tuesday, is organised in collaboration with the Rubaroo team and the university’s Centre for Women’s Studies. It aims to equip participants to take conversations on gender equality and women’s safety into their own institutions and communities.
Addressing the inaugural session, Charu Sinha, director general of CID, ACB and WSW, said the campaign was conceptualised after the limited response to a reporting mechanism introduced under the Women Safety Wing’s Safe Mobility Initiative prompted officials to examine how society had normalised inappropriate behaviour.
Launched in March 2026 as a year‑long initiative, #StandWithHer seeks to challenge patriarchal attitudes and encourage people to intervene when they witness harassment or discrimination.
“When we keep quiet, we are equally complicit,” Sinha said, urging participants to question patriarchal double standards, challenge online abuse and reflect on their own beliefs. She also highlighted how rigid notions of masculinity restrict emotional expression among boys and men, stressing the need to build a culture of respect, empathy and equality.
The training is being conducted through interactive discussions and experiential learning rather than conventional lectures. The Rubaroo team is using participatory methods to encourage attendees to question established social norms and reflect on everyday experiences.
Prof. K. Suneetha Rani, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, emphasised that gender equality must begin at home, with families sharing responsibilities and challenging unequal practices.
“If we are trying to democratise every space around us, why not democratise home, and why are we taking it for granted?” she asked.
The inaugural session was attended by University of Hyderabad Vice‑Chancellor Professor J. Anuradha, registrar Dr Devesh Nigam, Centre for Women’s Studies head Prof. Deepa Srinivas and WSW’s Head of Training and Content Development, Asiya Shervani.