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Here’s a series of activities on violence against women
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Photo: Shaju John
Bearing it all In silence
In an era when women seem to be doing better than men in every arena of life, you wonder what it is that allows violence against women (VAW), in the first place. And then, of course, how to blast it off the face of earth.
Well, Chennai-based NGO Prajnya is kicking off a 16-day campaign against gender violence with a series of activities and events across colleges, corporates and public spaces in the city. The campaign will focus on raising awareness on the different ways in which women are vulnerable to violence — at home or elsewhere .
The campaign is in partnership with organisations such as CII, commercial establishments such as Nalli and Odyssey, institutions such as Loyola College and L.V. Prasad Film and Television Academy, besides NGOs such as the Bangalore-based Blank Noise.
“Gender violence shrinks an expansive universe into a small fenced field full of landmines for women”, says political analyst, consultant, and Prajnya’s managing trustee, Swarna Rajagopalan.
The campaign would raise this issue from various angles, interacting with groups involved in fighting the issue, and those who may not have given it any thought before, she says. The USP of the campaign is that it would be a broad, inclusive, structural and human rights approach to gender-based violence.
The idea is to forge networks and partnerships that can initiate a cascade of action against VAW. Considering the psycho-social tangles it comes entwined with, VAW does seem dicey to deal with. But with concerted efforts, it should be possible. After all, haven’t we seen some success against dowry, sati, and child marriage? For details, call 97907-65916.
Join the campaign
November 27: Violence against Women and Cinema: Symposium and Screening, Alliance Francaise de Madras. Workshop 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; screenings 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
November 28: Poetry Reading and Special Book Exhibit, Odyssey, Gandhi Nagar, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
November 30: Step-by-Step Guide To Unapologetic Walking: Action against Street Sexual Harassment, Pondy Bazaar (all women are invited)
December 1: Spotlight on violence against women, and HIV and AIDS, Radio InterNews Network
December 7: “No More Silence”, solidarity march and rally, from Triumph of Labour Statue to Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
December 9: Pointblank: A debate on media representations of women, MOP Vaishnav College, 10.45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
December 10: Public Display on 16-Day Campaign, Spencer Plaza, Phase 2 Atrium, 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Prajnya 16-Day Campaign Public Lecture by Sheela Rani Chunkath, IAS, followed by Candlelight Vigil, Bala Mandir
HEMA VIJAY
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