On the occasion of International Human Rights Day on Tuesday, Asmita Resource Centre for Women celebrated the culmination of 16-day activism on gender-based violence and their ongoing commitment to the One Billion Rising Campaign.
To facilitate students to express their views on gender violence and discrimination, the resource centre organised essay writing and poster-making competitions as part of the 16-day activism. To drive the message of eliminating gender-based violence, participatory discussions and movies were screened in schools and colleges.
The 16-day activism programme was organised from Nov 26 to Dec 10. Asmita also organised a candlelight rally along with the women from Addagutta commemorating South Asian Women’s Day on Dec 6.
Delivering the keynote address, Vasanth Kannabiran, member of the Asmita Resource Centre, said that the International Human Rights Day is very important as it marks an occasion to remind that every human being has rights. However, she pointed out that often women are not considered part of human beings.
Addressing the students on the occasion, Sumitra, founder, Ankuram, said that growing up as an individual does not only mean defending oneself but also standing for girls who are facing problems. Explaining what mars girls from developing the spirit, she pointed out that present education system, society and other aspects work against girls taking a stand.
Jameela Nishat, executive director, Shaheen, released posters on One Billion Rising 2014, Speak Up, Break the Silence. Prizes were distributed to students who won prizes in various competitions held.