In a bid to end gender-based violence, the Oxfam embarked on a 16-day awareness campaign here on Monday.
As chief guest, State Welfare Board chairman Nibedita Nayak said there is need to make collective efforts to bring an end to the rising violence against women. She underlined the need for mass awareness on the issue in both urban and rural areas. Ollywood actress Sonika Ray, ISD secretary Subhashree Das and ISWO secretary Puspanjali Jena shared the view.
During the 16 days, various activities would be undertaken in all the districts. On November 29, a solidarity walk would be held from the Ekamra Haat to Master Canteen Square here to mark the International Day of Women Human Rights Defenders.
Oxfam Odisha and South India regional manger Akshay Kumar said that as per the UN’s 2014 report, 70 per cent women in Odisha are exposed to domestic violence by their husbands or any member of their families. This campaign aims to sensitise people, especially youths, on the social malady, he added.