By Tara Rana | Communications & Fundraising Officer
For years of subjugation now, women’s individuality has been reduced to the four walls of the house. It is worse when the walls support domestic violence. It is the brutality and the evil associated with gender based violence that Maitri strives to fight against. Since its inception, Maitri has stood firm in its stance of protecting marginalized vulnerable women, and help them realize their potentialities to fend for themselves in all spheres of life.
To achieve the same, on Oct 14, 2016, Maitri organized a rally against Domestic Violence in and around the communities that we work with in Soniya Vihar, Delhi. The objective of the rally was focused on bringing women and men of the community together to take a unified and solid resolve against domestic violence.
The event was successful in garnering a large participation, with 60 people including women, youth and children. The major challenge that we faced as an organsitaion for fighting against a matter so sensitive was participation from women. A sense of awkward hesitation prevailed to come out in support of it, as most did not have their husband’s approval. This is a clear example of rigid hierarchies that exist within the family, where the woman is restricted only to child bearing and child rearing.
Another attempt into breaking the silence around domestic violence was exhibited through Nukkad Natak (street play) organized in the ARD Community on Oct 16, 2016. The theme was based on breaking the silence and myths around domestic violence and an urge to extend both males and females an equal right to opportunities. Our community went around the entire basti to invite people to come and watch the play. Following the nukkad natak, was a session arranged for interaction with the community residents. They could raise questions or provide their opinion on the topic. For instance, an elderly man shared that he received the message of the play well, and would share his insights with his fellow community residents. He further added that the ones who do not want to bring about any change in the society, would not have inferred any positive message from the play.
On 21st October 2016, Maitri organized for the screening of the movie ‘Dor’ in Sonia Vihar. The screening started at around 7 pm and ended by 9.45 pm. About 15 women, 10 youths and children joined us. Post the movie, a small session was arranged to record the particpants’ feedback. The women absolutely loved the movie for the simple reason that they could connect their lives with the characters from the movie. The discussion with the community women brought out to light how difficult life gets for a widow, and that the instances domestic violence and other societal barriers can be dealt with in a better way if women collectively stand for the protection of their personal rights and space.
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