A Sheffield Hallam University lecturer whose work has helped to transform the support for female victims of violence in India has been shortlisted for an Asian Women of Achievement Award

Press contact: Jo Beattie | j.beattie@shu.ac.uk

Dr Sunita Toor, Head of Human Rights and Social Justice, has been shortlisted in the Social and Humanitarian category in recognition of her work leading a project to improve access to justice for women and girl victims of violence in India.

Justice for Her is a collaborative effort with the Indian police across the vast and densely populated states of Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Following its inception in 2016, Justice for Her developed and delivered an innovative and ground-breaking training programme for police officers and trainers in India, on how they can more appropriately and effectively deal with these cases of gender-based violence and secure justice for female victims.

Such has been the success of the project, the training is now included in the curriculum for many new police recruits in the four states, as well as rolled out to existing officers in the field. 10000 of officers receive the training each year.

Justice for Her continues as Dr Sunita Toor still works in India to combat gender-based violence.

Part of the project also included senior Indian police officers coming to the UK to see how British police officers tackle gender-based violence. As a result, the Madhya Pradesh state police force has committed to open 51 one-stop victim support centres for women – having seen a similar model when in the UK.

Dr Toor said: “I’m thrilled to be shortlisted. It’s an honour and a surprise. I’ve worked with incredible and inspirational individuals on the ground in India who have been the true champions of Justice For Her. Without their support and commitment to combatting gender-based violence Justice For Her wouldn’t have happened and continued. Thank you to all of those who have been part of the Justice for Her journey."

The Asian Women of Achievement Awards, founded in 1999, celebrate multi-cultural Britain and the contribution of diverse cultures and talents to UK society. They honour Asian women across the UK and across industries, who are making a valuable and important contribution to British life.

The Awards are due to take place in London in September.