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“As we continue to fight COVID-19 and where physical distancing might become a norm, we can no longer afford to overlook the violence in our homes and neighborhoods as a personal matter. For me, it has been political ever since I came back from SELF Academy. And if physical distancing is the new normal, why are men beating women, why no physical distancing from abuse?”

Shree(name changed) a college-going girl witnessed violence in her family and her neighborhood. She was very upset to hear, know, and see that men who were coming back home during a lockdown or those who could not move out due to lockdown were perpetrating violence on women and girls. 

She felt something in her triggering, pushing her to do something about domestic violence. She says “SELF Academy gave me a lens, it built my capacity, and if I don’t practice them now, or don’t act now, my going to the academy is of no use”. 

The next day, Shree approached her college. She asked them to provide her with a pass-through to reach out to the community to do domestic violence awareness. She was denied, as during Covid, it was very difficult to move around. But because she did not want to become a mere spectator to violence all around her, she reached out to her friends and said how all four of them could together do something to address the rampant violence. And if not address, at least a try would satisfy them internally. They would be able to share how it was the impact of the SELF Academy (which they had attended) that they could take
such a step.

Their college was responsible for looking after the arrangements for migrant workers returning from other cities. They were in a position to issue pass on an urgent and essential basis. The very next day, she and her other three friends went to their college again. This time, they were ready with the reason why they were asking for the issuance of the pass. When they were told that they wouldn’t be provided with the pass, they convinced them that dealing with violence is an essential service, and they are doing their bit in ensuring that. They added how domestic violence is often associated only with physical abuse, ignoring the fact that it affects women’s mental, verbal, and financial well-being. After more than an hour they were able to convince them and were provided with the pass. They were allowed to conduct awareness program around domestic violence. 

Shree and her friend took this opportunity and decided to do nukkad natak (street play). The idea behind choosing this was to address, and aware people on domestic violence was that people are very tired of the covid situation, burnt out, hopeless, etc. They need some change; anything of dialogue mode would attract nobody. Shree says, “art is central to our lives, that is very appealing, and that’s precisely how we will do what we want to- convey a message against domestic violence. “

All four of them did street plays in the community for ten days. They were told by the women from their neighborhood that the men in the house are now not beating them and seeing the play was a big relief. 

Shree says that violence may still be happening, but her effort definitely decreased the rate. She could at least make people understand that police, college, NGOs, helpline numbers are where women can seek support and those perpetrating violence would be put behind bars. For her, it was one of the most satisfying experiences of Covid, and she gives full credit to SELF Academy and the organization she is associated with.