In countless villages across India, fear shadows the lives of women—from the moment they step out of their homes to the choices they are allowed to make. Gender-based violence (GBV)—be it physical, emotional, sexual, or economic—remains a silent epidemic. The Jaggo Nari Federation, guided by Rajesh Shukla’s unwavering commitment to justice, is confronting this head-on.
Jaggo Nari believes safety is not a luxury—it is a birthright. And the only way to end GBV is through awareness, accountability, and collective resistance from the ground up.
The Ground Reality: Violence in Rural Bharat
- 1 in 3 women in rural India faces some form of domestic violence.
- Most cases go unreported due to stigma, shame, and lack of legal access.
- Community pressure often blames the victim, forcing silence or withdrawal.
- Social norms normalize harassment, marital rape, and control over women's freedom.
Jaggo Nari steps into this challenging terrain not with charity—but with courage and collective action.
Key Strategies to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence
1. “Nari Raksha Samitis” (Women’s Protection Committees)
Village-level vigilance groups formed by local women:
- Track incidents of domestic violence, harassment, child marriage, or trafficking.
- Act as first responders, offering emotional support and referrals.
- Engage community leaders to mediate or escalate issues to authorities.
2. Safe Village Campaigns
Large-scale public initiatives including:
- Wall paintings, street plays, and local marches on gender rights and safety.
- Signature drives and pledge walls engaging men and boys.
- Publicizing helplines and women’s rights information through temples, schools, and shops.
3. Crisis Response & Counseling Units
In partnership with district legal and health departments:
- Survivors are offered safe shelter, legal counsel, police assistance, and trauma care.
- Confidentiality and non-judgmental support are emphasized.
- Fast-track reporting channels with female officers are prioritized.
4. Gender Sensitization of Men and Boys
Workshops conducted with:
- Youth clubs and schools on consent, respect, and equality.
- Fathers and husbands on supporting women’s rights and dignity.
- Religious and cultural leaders to challenge patriarchy with inclusive narratives.
5. Community Justice Circles
Restorative justice forums where:
- Offenders are confronted by a panel of women and community leaders.
- Apologies, reparation, and commitments are made in public view.
- Repeat offenders are named and shamed unless legally prosecuted.
Visible Impact
- Over 5,000 cases of domestic and sexual abuse intervened in since 2021.
- 25,000+ youth sensitized on gender equality through school programs.
- 3,200 villages declared "Jaggo Nari Safe Zones" after meeting safety audit benchmarks.
- Significant reduction in child marriage and dowry complaints in participating clusters.
Rajesh Shukla’s Vision: A Bharat Without Fear
To Rajesh Shukla, safety is non-negotiable. He sees gender-based violence not as a women’s issue, but as a national development failure. Under his guidance, Jaggo Nari treats safety as a multi-sectoral priority, integrating legal, health, educational, and cultural interventions.
“We are not just rescuing women. We are raising a society that no longer tolerates their pain,” Shukla says.
Changing the Culture of Silence
What sets Jaggo Nari apart is its refusal to isolate survivors. Instead, entire communities are made accountable. Fear is no longer a private battle—it’s a public cause, led by mothers, daughters, and even grandmothers who are declaring: "Enough is enough."
Because until every woman feels safe, no village can truly be called free.