'UDDOMEY UTTORONEY SHOTOKOTI'
The Bangladeshi society has yet a lot to learn. Here, the mindset of individuals has for far too long been programmed to associate conservatism with silence and modernism with vulgarity.
For far too long, we have struggled to break free of the shackles of the inherent patriarchal mentality that we are bound in. For a country whose very independence is steeped in graphic tales of violence against women and whose very leader once brought the victims of such crimes to the fore, it's a curiosity why the majority of us perceive women the way we do. However, there is change in the air. It's a chant growing ever louder. One billion people have risen and they defiantly declare “No More”.
Statistics from the United Nations paint a grave picture of the current plight of women in our society, specifically violence against women which includes acid attacks, abduction, rape, murder after rape, trafficking, dowry-related violence etc. The UN figures estimate that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during their life time. Bangladesh adds to the figures, with one in every thousand women having been raped according to the United Nations Human Development Record back in 1999. Although conditions have improved, they haven't been exactly noteworthy.
These statistics and the prevailing conditions set the perfect premise for a change. All that was needed was a platform which was both vocal and global at the same time. Enter One Billion Rising. The OBR campaign initiated by V-Day is a global capmpaign to end violence against women and girls. Since V-Day was initiated, it has raised USD 80 million in over 140 countries and has benefited nearly 12,000 communities. V-Day, itself is a global movement to end violence against women, inspired by Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues". The global movement has highlighted the plight of women in a global context, urging effective actions from all quarters. This year over 160 countries took part in V-Day's initiative by observing V-Day's 15th anniversary on the 14th of February.
Considering the startling numbers presented by the UN, representatives from different sectors in Bangladesh met with Kamla Bhasin, the South Asian Coordinator of One Billion Rising, and collectively they came up with a plan to finally address the issue of “violence” against women.
The campaign soon turned into a movement, encapsulating the media, academia, entrepreneurs, corporate sector, grassroots organisations, government and numerous NGOs. One Billion Rising (OBR) Bangladesh was launched in September 13, 2012 and the winds soon began to change. "Strike, Rise and Dance" was the theme chosen to bring attention to the matter by OBR, who intend to incorporate the cultural scene and appeal to the people directly in more creative and non-violent ways.
With the global anthem of “Break the Chain” resonating from OBR's every step, the organisation spread awareness through the help of schools, trade unions, private universities and NGOs all the while inviting more participants to take part in this one of a kind global movement.
Penetrating through social media, Wordpress OBR blog and a photo campaign among others, OBR's reach and influence began to grow. Their impact across the spheres of social movements and cultural events is well documented. During the Hay Festival in Dhaka, OBR set up stall and presented their own panel which included reading and performances of different local and international feminist literary pieces.
November 30 saw OBR return with Sangat organising a South Asian Women's Day cultural event at Bokultala, Charukala with the festivities being followed by a “Reclaim the Night” walk near the institute. Human chains followed and the movement grew in proportion and has continued to grow since then.
January 10 saw Eve Ensler visit Dhaka and address different issues that young women face. Her interview and views are expected to be broadcasted nationwide. OBR set a target of 25 million rising in Bangladesh on February 14, 2013. 64 Districts joined together and stood united under the slogan of “Silence about violence against women -- No More”.
Almost 3 million men and women through more than 335 organisations and across 40 locations stood in solidarity, demanding an end to the violence against their mothers, sisters, wives and friends. ActionAid Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Naripokkho, Nijera Kori and Plan International helped mobilise an entire nation. People from all walks of life and all ages took part in the movement. 120,455 signature petitions were collected from 22 upazilas. Youths formed forces to take an oath to finally putting an end to violence against women.
On February 14, 2013, Bangladesh had spoken. It had finally addressed the elephant in the room and admission to the problem became the first step to correcting it. One Billion Rising continues to flourish. Newer people join the ever-growing band. As we all unite, those with other designs shrink into the shadows and if the unity stays, those in the shadows may just be banished to darkness forever.
Photo: Sadab Madani Hossain, Trimita Chakma, KAF Photography, ActionAid Bangladesh, Asiatic 360, ULAB Students.
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