Ritanjali Hastir, Associate Editor, 14th February, 2016, Shimla
One Billion Rising – a global movement, founded by Eve Ensler, to end rape and sexual violence against women was started in 2012 as part of the Valentine Day movement. Ever since that day it is celebrated globally and this year the theme of the campaign was to “Rise for Revolution”. “This year’s campaign escalated the collective actions of activists worldwide, to further amplify their call for systematic changes towards ending violence against women and children once and for all,” said OBR global director, Monique Wilson.
People of Shimla City too raised their voice and joined the cause as by becoming part of this campaign. Y.W.C.A of Simla organized an event which included a “Nukkad Natak” directed by Sunny, a “flash mob dance” choreographed by Chaman Budhathoki, “a signature campaign” and a talk on “Gender-based Violence” by Rajnish Thakur, Sub Inspector, Lakkar Bazar Chowki at the Amphitheatre, Ridge, Shimla to awaken the people to end violence against women. The general public also shared experiences during the event and expressed their opinions.
The event turned out to be a grand success as the people of city came forward and expressed their opinion against the serious issue that has been often suppressed. The play forced everyone to contemplate on the predicament of women in general and try to rework on their outlook towards women and their place in the society.
One Billion Rising: Rise for Revolution 2016 is an escalation of the first three stages of our campaign – One Billion Rising, One Billion Rising for Justice, and One Billion Rising: Revolution. “We’ve danced. We’ve demanded justice. We’ve demanded changes. This year we are radicalising our actions – enlarging, deepening and expanding the revolution as we focus on the most marginalised women and children to bring about true, long lasting change” said Rohini Singh, General Secretary, Y. W.C.A Shimla.
