During the observation of UN’s 16 Days Activism campaign against gender based violence in the society, members of Atmashakti Trust, Mahila Shramajeebee Mancha and Odisha Shramajeebee Mancha organised a unique campaign event called #Handover the Mic: Take action to end violence against women and girls.
Women activists and leaders on the occasion shared their experience on how gender equality has a greater role in making a healthy society.
State Programme Manager of Odisha Government’s 181 women helpline Pragyan Paramita Bastia said, "Women become the victim of violence in many forms. While working with the emergency helpline for women, we are receiving cases in various forms of violence against women and we feel that we need to change our perception towards women the way we see now."
The patriarchal mindset in our society needs to be ended and a mass awareness among men and women is the need of the hour, she added.
Eminent women rights activist and convener of Odisha chapter of National Association of Women Organisation (NAWO) Pramila Swain shared her personal experience of how she had overcome multiple barriers.
She also highlighted that structural changes as well policy gaps need to be addressed.
Activist Henarani Nayak said in order to help end gender based violence in the society, change should start from home.
More than 200 women and men participated in the event and shared their experiences on gender based violence in their communities and what roles they need to perform in order to end violence against women and girls in the society.