INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was observed on November 25 as an opportunity to spread awareness against gender-based violence. On November 25th 2022, the students and teachers of GCTE, Thycaud witnessed the inauguration of women's cell and awareness program on the violence against women was conducted.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the launch of the UNITE campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day (10 December). This campaign, led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008, aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions. This years’ campaign UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls will aim to mobilize all society to become activists for the prevention of violence against women, to stand in solidarity with women’s rights activists and to support feminist movements around the world to resist the rollback on women’s rights and calling for a world free from VAWG.

The programme started with the introduction by Ms. Bhagya Murali. She conveyed the theme of the day and the discussed about the current situation of the women in our society. Followed by this, Ms. Bushra Ansary, have delivered a mind-blowing speech and discussion on the topic ‘Rape Culture’. Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. Rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety. Rape Culture affects every woman. The rape of one woman is a degradation, terror, and limitation to all women. Most women and girls limit their behaviour because of the existence of rape. The speech Ms. Bushra conveyed was very thoughtful and relevant in the current situation of our society. Ms. Sibana recited a Malayalam poem titled ‘Remote’ to highlight the discrimination faced by the women.

Reflection on the programme was given by Ms. Keerthana Anil, Ms. Mary Antony and Ms. Abhirami, M.Ed. student from Mar Theophilus Training College. The event was concluded by Ms. Sheena Elizabeth, Assistant Professor in English language Teaching and General convenor of Women’s cell, she revealed the experiences she has been faced by a woman and shared how she have cope up with that situation. She gave us a motivation by her words. She didn’t back up by all those situations but came forward for facing those issues. This made the students more attached to the session. The program came to an end by taking the pledge to end VAWG and dowry.