Several city-based non-governmental organisations working towards the empowerment of women and children came together to observe the West Bengal chapter of One Billion Rising on February 14 at Bangur Park, Lake Gardens. The campaign was initiated by feminist playwright Eve Ensler globally 25 years ago. However, it is being observed in West Bengal for the last 10 years to spread awareness and stand against violence against women. The theme for 2023 is freedom
All photos by Arijit Sen / My KolkataA music performance was put up by the ladies from Azad Foundation. Ismat Alia said, “This programme is very important for me. When I was associated with the foundation six to seven months ago, I too came from a disturbed background. Today, I am learning how to drive a four-wheeler and hope to take care of myself and my child in the near future.’’
Debashree Bose Mukherjee along with her colleagues from Swayam put up a dance performance based on a poem by Kamla Bhasin. She mentioned, “I have been associated with Swayam for the past four years. The theme for our performance was violence against women and how many prejudices they have to face since childhood.”