BHUBANESWAR: Five women dressed in traditional Odissi costumes set out on their macho machines to spread the message on woman safety and security in the wake of rising crimes against girl child. Odisha Bikerni, the women bikers association of Odisha chapter, dressed as Goddess Lakshmi took out the rally to raise their voice against sexual abuse against girl children. “The idea of dressing up in traditional attire came as Akshaya Tritiya is round the corner and women in India are worshipped as Goddess Lakshmi.
We wanted to spread the message that society must learn to respect and care for the Lakshmis in their household, be it mothers, wives, daughters or even friends,” said Sangeeta Sahoo, one of the riders.A women riders and a six-year-old girl Shivanshi kick-started the journey from Sikharchandi to the Governor House via Jayadev Vihar, Vani Vihar Square, Saheed Nagar, Master Canteen, AG Square to Governor House and back.
The six-year-old girl was carrying a placard that demanded to live a life of dignity as a girl in the country where cases of brutal child rapes like that of Asifa in Khatua in Jammu and that in Unnao have shocked the nation. The other members included Priyanka Ghosal, Deeparani Mahakud, Barsha Mallick and Amita Singh.