November 25 is designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by the United Nations General Assembly. The premise of the day is to raise awareness around the world that women are subjected to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence; furthermore, one of the aims of the day is to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue is often hidden.
When we talk about India, violence against women has been at the centre. Over the years there have been many cases, some were reported, and others were not. However, in the last few years, significant measures and attempts have been taken to increase awareness of this heinous crime. There have been many campaigns, that left an impact on people. Let’s take a look here.
Bell Bajao Campaign: Launched by Breakthrough, this campaign encouraged bystanders to intervene and take action by ringing the doorbell (Bell Bajao) when they witnessed domestic violence, thereby raising awareness about the importance of bystander intervention.
One Billion Rising Movement: An international campaign that gained traction in India, focusing on ending violence against women through various forms of activism, including dance, art, and public gatherings to raise awareness and demand change.
Ab Samjhauta Nahin Campaign: Run by UN Women, this initiative aimed to challenge the acceptance of gender-based violence by highlighting the importance of not compromising with any form of abuse or violence against women.
Dark is Beautiful Campaign: While not specifically about violence, this campaign addressed the societal issue of colourism and its impact on women. It aimed to break stereotypes and redefine beauty standards by promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Stop Acid Attacks Campaign: Focused on the heinous crime of acid attacks against women, this campaign aimed to raise awareness, provide support to survivors, and advocate for stricter laws and regulations regarding acid sales.
Each of these campaigns took unique approaches to tackle different aspects of violence against women in India, aiming to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and promote empowerment and change.