Khurda: One-third of women in the world are victims of violence. In India, a woman is raped in every 14 minutes, sexually abused in every 7 minutes & in every 4 minutes we witness violence against a woman. About 42% of women in the state of Odisha face physical or sexual violence. Even in this modern day and age, violence against women is still on the rise. They are not only being raped but kidnapped, sexually abused and also through domestic violence and dowry killings. The 16 Days Activism is an International Campaign that started in 1991. Since then, over 5,179 groups in 187 countries have taken part in this campaign. This Campaign provides each and every one of us with the opportunity to break the silence around violence against women. People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) a leading organization in the state collaboration with The Hunger Project organized this “16 days of Activism” from 3rd December to 9th December 2017 on Violence against Women. This weeklong event launched a mobile van campaign at Balianta and Bolagarh Block of Khordha district to aware the people on the issues of VAW and more specifically domestic violence.
A District level workshop on Violence against Women was organized by PECUC in collaboration with The Hunger Project on 9th Dec. Prof. Adaramani Boral, Chairperson, PECUC chaired the meeting and Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary PECUC said,”PECUC is taking initiative at different levels to address the issues to protect women from violence and abuses”.Esteemed Guest, Mr. Manas Ranjan Samal, Sub-Collerctor, Bhubaneswar addressed the gathering that the domestic violence issues can be solved by creating awareness among all sections of people. Mr. Ashok Dash (Spl Secretary, State Election Commission), Member Women Commission Ms. Snehanjali Mohanty, Mrs. Rasmiprava Mishra (DV Protection officer) Khordha Dist, addressed the gathering and appreciated the campaign for raising awareness among people regarding how to get information and access the services to end violence against women. Also they spoke on DV act and role of Women Commission & Protection Officer. Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director gave welcome address and shared the objective of the workshop and weeklong campaign.
In this campaign more than 100 women PRI’s, SHG leaders participated and shared views on panchayat should be given adequate power for giving marriage certificate, birth certificate etc; formation of Sexual Harassment committee at panchayat level; single/divorced women, unmarried girls/ widow’s life should be protected; every panchayat should have separate toilets for women; two-child norm at Panchayati Raj system should be completely banned. Mrs. Ratna Dash,traesurer PECUC gave vote of thanks and the programme was facilitated by PECUC team Member Mr. Jyoti Sankar Mohanty, Pulak Mishra, Upama Mohanty, Bamadeva Jena and Chinmayee Pattanayak.
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