Mirza Hasan the Chairman of the Ram Chandrapur Union Parishad says, “My skills to tackle the issue of domestic violence were rather limited before I became acquainted with the campaign. Now I feel confident about speaking to people on this issue even though my constituency is very conservative and people feel awkward to talk of subjects like this in public. My team members from nine wards help me in my efforts. They talk to people and help them resolve problems at home so that they do not have to depend on shaileeshs as much.

I am convinced that the issue of domestic violence deserves policy attention. It is our duty to ensure safe, violence-free homes for women. I plan to address this issue in my official capacity. To begin with, I have mandated that in the five-member Family Court in every area there be at least one woman member. I have also already motivated 250 people to become Change Makers.

The campaign has touched my personal life in small yet remarkable ways. I have begun to realise how important it is to help out in the home as my wife shares a disproportionate burden of household work. I don’t hesitate, these days, to interfere if my neighbour beats his wife. In one instance, I managed to help a couple reconcile their differences. The husband was keen to leave his current wife and marry another woman. I spoke to him and made him see the unfairness of his action. He finally agreed with me.

In my official capacity, I do very often face opposition from lawyers and the police who say that I jeopardise their work but I do not cave in to pressure. I have, over the years, become immune to criticism and opposition as I also work to stop gambling and drug trafficking that earns me far more hostility. To ensure that the campaign messages can be effectively reached to people, I have allotted a room in my official premise to the campaign allies. They are allowed to stock their communication material there. I also ensure that the notice board in my office displays campaign posters, booklets, leaflets and other material.”