16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). This year's theme for the campaign is “FROM PEACE IN THE HOME TO PEACE IN THE WORLD: MAKE EDUCATION SAFE FOR ALL!” - it recognizes that structural discrimination and inequality is perpetuated in a cycle of violence that does not end even when girls and young women are in the act of gaining an education. 

 

On November 28th, 2016, Jagori in partnership with Breakthrough, CFAR, Safetipin and Sangat organised an awareness raising campaign on women safety in public spaces in University of Delhi, North campus. The theme of the event was “Suraksha ke raaste sabke vaaste” . It started from Batra Cinema near GTB metro Station and the rally was organised that moved on to the north campus via Patel Chest, Hudson lane and Viswavidyalaya Metro Station. 

 

“The event aimed at awareness raising for safety of girls, women, and various marginalised groups as they make their way to different educational institutions. The idea is that when cities are safe in terms of their infrastructure, policies and people, citizens will be able to make the best choices in terms of education and profession and realise their full potential. This is a win-win for the individual and for the city.”, Geetha Nambisan, Director Jagori said.

 

As they traversed this route, participants interacted with more than 1,000 students and public at large, especially men and distributed helpline booklets and postcards. Breakthrough highlighted the issue of violence against women through audio visuals screened in their video van, and interacted with the public.

 

“I feel that we were able to reach out to a population that shares a big responsibility and accountability in the move to make public places safe for all genders. A few of them approached the campaigners for information about further activities - this gives me a sense of faith that we were able to make some impact yesterday”, Pavel from Breakthrough team said.

 

Gender-based violence with respect to the right to education is a consistent challenge in public spaces, schools, and homes and is a detriment to the universal human right to education..  “We engaged with far more men than women during this daylong event. Dialogue is the need of the hour. There are sensible men around. The questions need to be answered, the doubts need to be addressed and youth is where the possibility lies. We just need to identify them and get them on board to realise this dream of living in the safe world”,   Krati Sharma from Jagori said.

 

Theatre group by a prominent theatre artist Lokesh Jain and community youth members from CFAR performed street plays on themes of street sexual harassment and domestic violence during the programme. The group chanted slogans like “Suraksha mera haq, koi shaq?" and sang songs along the way. While different organisations and student groups have been raising this issue, the collaborative efforts like this always give sense of achievement and togetherness.

 

"People talked about the issue of women safety in public spaces safe, inclusive and accessible for all. The overall response was fantastic and the issue was very well received by the people. I see a lot of potential for engaging with youth here in future”, said Kriti Agarwal, Safetipin

 

As we continue to celebrate, Sangat, a Feminist Network has planned another event happening during the 16 Days of Activism is celebration of South Asian Women's Day, marked on 30 November each year. This day celebrates regional solidarity, friendship, and love and commemorates South Asian women working for peace, justice, human rights and democracy in the region. “This year, on 30 November, Sangat has organized an event that will bring friends and partners in Delhi together to sing songs and recite poems that celebrate our solidarity and call on us to work collectively to address the common struggles of violence against women and girls, poverty, and others that we face across the region” , Nastasia Paul Gera, Coordinator, Sangat said.