Global movement against gender violence comes to city

One Billion Rising, a global movement in solidarity against exploitation of women, came to Bengaluru on Sunday. Organised by Swaraj Network, GATWU (Garment and Textile Workers’ Union), Amnesty International India, Alternative Law Forum, SICHREM, Samvada, #IWillGoOut (national network), Vimochana – Forum for Women’s Rights, Sangama and several other groups, the event consisted of discussions on public spaces, women-related schemes, poetry readings, dance, music and other forms of artistic expression.

Some of the activities took place at Nayandahalli, Bhoo-pasandra and Halasuru before all the participants converged at Cubbon Park. “The One Billion Rising campaign has been happening since 2012 across the globe, and this year, given the spirit of resistance that Bengaluru’s citizens have shown after the sexual assault that happened on New Year’s Eve, we felt it was important to go to different communities to discuss these issues. Today is about celebration and resistance,” said Corinne Kumar, who is associated with Vimochana, one of the organisers of One Billion Rising.

The event drew people from different walks of life who expressed their solidarity and support for the cause. Besides women’s exploitation, the campaign also spoke out against the ill treatment of farmers, the landless, Dalits, tribals, the disabled, the LGBTIQA community, women in unorganised sectors (sex workers, garment workers, domestic workers, construction workers, etc), ethnic and racial minorities and other marginalised groups.

Christy Raj, a transman and organiser from Sangama, said, “We raised awareness on government schemes for women. I believe it’s important to be part of this movement against gender-based violence.”