When Telangana became a separate state, it was my hope that there would be a renewed focus on its women’s rights and concerns. But as recently as July 2018, shocking facts have emerged that disappoint me and countless other concerned citizens of the state and the country.

• Hyderabad tops the list of crimes against women in India (NCW, 2017)
• 45% women in Telangana aged between 15 and 49 years have experienced physical or sexual violence during the survey. (NFHS).
• 44% boys and parents in Telangana think a girl is harassed because she is 'asking for it' (WINGS 2018)

As a woman in Telangana, I feel scared, angry and discouraged - but, also as a citizen here, I know Telangana has been doing a great job with its Bharosa centers and SHE teams in empowering women.

So, where exactly are we going wrong? The problem is that Women's Rights issues are not considered community issues. But, why isn't our community equally invested? Who has the mandate to engage and empower our community?

On researching, I realized that the Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Women was constituted in 1998. And its sole purpose was to improve the status of women and to inquire into unfair practices affecting women. Exactly, the need of the hour, isn't it? A lot of us want to help achieve gender equality and volunteering with Telangana State Women's Commission would be a start. But, to my surprise, there is no website! No access to information! Nothing! Nada!

Sign my petition and together let us ask the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Minister for Women and Child Welfare and IT minister to

• Appoint chairperson and make Telangana state commission for women fully-functional; and
• Publish an online portal for the State Commission for Women, Telangana.

Telangana is the youngest state in India and has already received recognition for its progress, especially in the IT sector. Even trees and sheep have digital presence under Telangana schemes!! It is therefore shocking to see that we have no website for our State Commission for Women, despite receiving 100% funds from the Women and Child Welfare Department.

States like Karnataka and Kerala have their own fully-functional online portal with detailed information on their activities, volunteering opportunities, Annual reports, legal documents and other relevant data.

Let us help Telangana achieve the No.1 position for its commitment towards women's safety starting with increased visibility, transparency and accountability of the State Commission for Women.

Under Section 4(2) of The Right To Information Act, 2005 provision of a website also becomes a legal mandate.

Together, let us make a difference and help Telangana take another step forward for Women's wellbeing and safety.