16 days of activism to end violence against women

While marking the 16th anniversary of ‘16 days of activism to end violence against women’, women’s groups and anti-poverty agencies insisted that civil society and governments take immediate action against violence many women face in their lives.

ActionAid and its partners also expressed solidarity with women across the country and around the world.

Human rights violation

The long-awaited government bill on protection of women from domestic violence was approved in October 2006. Now for the first time the law recognises domestic violence for what it is - a violation of human rights of women. It defines all forms of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or economic abuse as domestic violence.

Women's groups and activists have greeted the Act enthusiastically. But the law alone is not enough. Anchita Ghatak, leader of ActionAid’s work on women’s rights in India , says, “We and our partners remain conscious that women face violence both in private and public sphere.” 

About the 16 days of activism, Ghatak says that the campaign focussed on all kinds of abuse against women and girls like domestic violence, violence in the workplace, sexual harassment, caste-based violence, and violence against girls in schools, women with disabilities, women living with HIV and women of minority communities. 

Raising awareness

In Assam, a collaboration of 10 organisations spearheaded by ActionAid raised awareness through a cultural programme in capital city Guwahati.

Biat Boha Bhoy, a street play on the latest domestic violence act, demonstrated how women could seek protection under the new law. It was performed by Society for Social Transformation and Environment Protection (SSTEP), an ActionAid partner.

Sampriti Barman of the state women’s commission was the guest of honour. She shared some shocking incidents of torture and murder of eleven women at their homes in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts. “Episodes of trafficking, domestic violence and child sexual abuse have increased in the state,” she says. While announcing the launch of their initiative Chalo Gaon ki Aur in January 2007 to spread awareness about trafficking, child marriages, and reproductive health issues in villages, Barman invited NGOs and government organisations to join forces to end violence against women.

A Bihu dance performance by mentally-challenged women supported by Ashadeep, a leading NGO in the sector of mental health also enthralled the audience.

Don’t be silent

Sattra, a group of young social activists and trained theatre artists, showed different forms of violence that women face - molestation, sexual harassment at the workplace, witch hunting and trafficking. P K Pincha of ActionAid stated that highlighting brazen acts of violence against women is paramount.

“Break the silence on recurring incidents of violence against women, raise mass awareness about the protection of women from domestic violence Act 2005 and ensure its implementation in letter and spirit in Assam,” he urges.

Famous singer Sangeeta Kakoty, who is well known for her support to women’s issues, mesmerized the crowd with her melodies. Her Bihu numbers had the audience on their feet.

Elsewhere in Imphal in Manipur a cultural programme entertained as well as educated where people living with HIV/AIDS performed dances, songs and skits. A candlelight memorial was also held. On 1^st December, 200 people, mainly women living with HIV participated in a rally, voicing their concerns and calling for law enforcers to protect their rights.

Muslim women demand their rights

In an exceptional event in Cuttack , Orissa, Muslim women from various parts of the state, gathered for a silent march to protest against violence and demand their rights. This rally was organized by Muslim Women Welfare Organisation (MWWO), YWCA and ActionAid.

Women in burqas and headscarves from various walks of life walked 5 kilometres in scorching heat, holding banners and placards, protesting to end violence against women. Ms. B Radhika, Cuttack ’s Deputy Inspector General for Vigilance, flagged off the march.

Khatoon Ki Kahani Khatoon Ki Zubani (A woman’s story in a woman’s words)

At another special event, social activists from across the country shared their experiences of working with Muslim women.

Quoting from the holy Quran, Mamdooha Majid of MWWO emphasized the significance of women’s right to education.

Zulaikha Jabeen of Shambhvi, a women’s group in Chattisgarh, gave several examples of the disadvantaged state of Muslim women despite their powerful religious status. While discussing the Sacchar Committee report on the socio-economic status of Muslims, Zakia Jowher of ActionAid requested Muslim women to come forward and work together for communal harmony. Shamima of Ayesha, another Muslim women's rights group, and Farhat Amin of MWWO discussed about the increase in divorce cases in Orissa.

A drama competition was held by Muslim slum dwellers in Cuttack . And the students of Cuttack ’s Urdu Girls High School kept the audience spellbound by their Qawali renditions on the dowry problem.

Educating about the new law

Following the passage of the Act on protection of women from domestic violence, Prakash Kumar of Bal Vikas Dhara, an ActionAid partner in Delhi working on women and children’s rights, says this year’s 16 days of activism held special significance. 

"Development agencies and social groups need to learn and educate ourselves and women who face domestic violence about the new Act," says Kumar.

"Our aim is to spread awareness about this law in slums, schools, police stations, colleges and resident welfare associations. We want to show what domestic violence constitutes, and where and how women can seek help,” he adds. 

In Kolkata, despite a statewide bandh, nearly 300 people joined in a rally to make governments and civil society aware of HIV/AIDS issues. For most of the people living with HIV/AIDS, especially women, it was the first time they had come out in the open to protest against the violence they face, and demand their human rights from mainstream society and government.  They wore black t-shirts bearing slogans in Bengali: ‘We demand a normal life’.

In Hyderabad a mega concert commemorated the 16 days of activism with World AIDS Day. It was sponsored by the government, corporate bodies and INGOs like ActionAid attracted some 9,000 people, mostly youth. The audience enjoyed renditions by Arti Patnaik, a famous music director from the Telugu film industry and Hema Chandra, another renowned singer.  Shiamak Davar’s dance troupe enthralled the crowd with its foot tapping choreography.

The Director General of Police Swaranjit Sen stressed the importance of care and support to those living with HIV/AIDS. “Awareness among youth is also critical for preventing the spread of the virus,” he says. Andhra minister for health Panabaka Lakshmi promised Rs 90 crore (Rs 900 million) from the State AIDS Control organization for awareness programmes.

In Bangalore, rallies, street plays and talks helped to raise awareness about the vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS. And a lively question and answer session was aired on one of the main city radio channels.