Context:

On May 16, 2025, the National Commission for Women (NCW) launched a new initiative called ‘Campus Calling’ at a university in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Launched in collaboration with Yuvamanthan, a youth development platform, ‘Campus Calling’ aims to reach over 1,000 colleges and universities across India, making it one of NCW’s largest youth-focused campaigns.

About Campus Calling Initiative:

Campus Calling programme is designed to create safer and more respectful college environments by promoting gender sensitivity, prevention of sexual harassment, and cyber safety.

Goals of the Programme: The main objectives of ‘Campus Calling’ are:

• To encourage gender equality and respectful behaviour on campuses
• To educate students about identifying and preventing sexual harassment
• To raise awareness about cyber-crimes and digital safety
• To empower youth to become agents of change in their institutions

Significance of the Initiative:

Many women hesitate to report sexual harassment due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, or lack of trust in complaint systems. There are also ongoing issues with the implementation of the PoSH Act (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act), which has been criticised for lapses in enforcement.

This programme addresses those concerns by:

• Increasing awareness about students’ legal rights
• Strengthening support mechanisms within campuses
• Promoting open discussion around sensitive and often overlooked issues
• Teaching safe digital practices
• Promoting responsible behaviour online
• Offering guidance on how to report and respond to cyber crimes

About National Commission for Women (NCW ):

The National Commission for Women (NCW), established in 1992, is a statutory body promoting women’s rights in India. It comprises a Chairperson, five Members, and a Member-Secretary, all appointed by the Central Government. Members serve three-year terms and can be removed under specific conditions, following due process.

Conclusion:

‘Campus Calling’ represents a step forward in building safer and more inclusive educational spaces. By putting students at the centre of the effort and encouraging peer-led action, the initiative aims to drive meaningful change and help establish a culture of respect, equality, and digital responsibility across India’s colleges and universities.