Utthan campaign to end violence against women covers Mahisagar, Dahod districts of Gujarat

By A Representative
Ahmedabad NGO Utthan's 16 day campaign to end violence against women in Gujarat's rural areas is half way, and has so far covered 18 villages. The campaign saw active participation of 4,000 people, with 12 gram panchayats -- six from Mahisagar and Dahod districts each -- passing resolution in support of the campaign.

Ramilaben Sangod

Begun on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, the campaign will end on December 10, the International Human Rights Day. During the campaign, people participated in rallies, signature campaigns, and cultural programmes, including film shows on the need to end violence against women, organized by Utthan.

Ramilaben Sangod, sarpanch, Pav village, Dahod district, told the campaigners that women's participation has increased their awareness on how to overcome violence against women both at home and outside. "Women are often branded as witches, are beaten up by drunken husbands, and widows and single women are denied land rights. We learned how to fight these issues", she added.