By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: There is a rising demand from women groups for prosecution of all criminals who sexually abuse women and girls.
This resolution was taken on the occasion of One Billion Rising, an event held recently in the city to protest violence against women.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, a volunteer of the North East Network Rida Shullai said that the ethos of the campaign was reiterated in between the performances in calling people to stop all forms of violence against women.
A signature campaign was also initiated by NEN at the event itself through which people signed on a large placard supporting the statement with phrases likes “We will no longer tolerate violence! Stop all forms of Violence against Women and Children!” The campaign also shows that people are coming together, joining hands for this cause until it is achieved.
This global campaign was assisted with the beating of traditional drums by artists from the Lakreh Creative Arts Academy drawing a large crowd who gathered to witness other expressions in the forms of phawar, dance performance by a young group, the Street Crushers who regaled all with the OBR theme song ‘Break the Chain’ followed by musical performances of artists/bands like Gracyl Ropmay, Summersalt, Shyllong and 4th Element.
NEN intends to carry the campaign forward by advocating this message and remind the government, of fulfilling its obligation to mitigate all forms of discrimination and violence against women.
Other than this, the NEN has also put forth a demand for safer spaces for women and children in public
spaces and within the homes.
“NEN plans to circulate such messages across the academia, and to the youth in particular. They are the ones who should address violence that they see in their homes, the neighbourhood or in public places. For when young souls are shaken into awareness, change can be fought for and society can be transformed for the betterment of the human race”, Shullai said.