16 Days of Activism launch event

On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, EKTA launched its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign in Vilacherry, a panchayat outside of Madurai. It was a fantastic event that drew over 100 participants, who signed a pledge to end violence against women and listened to speakers such as
Nirmala Devi, Chairman, Tiruparankundram union, Akila Devi, Panchayat president, Vilacherry panchayat, and Mallika, Inspector, Tiruparankundram All Women’s Police Station, who informed women of their legal and human rights regarding gender-based violence. Following the speeches, Chairman Nirmala Devi helped send off EKTA's mobile van, which will tour nearby villages and distribute information on the 16 Days campaign, gender-based violence in the area, and women's rights until the end of the campaign on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The event received excellent coverage in local newspapers. See The Hindu's article here.

 

#33Percent

One of EKTA's primary focuses is on increasing women's political participation. Thanks to the 33% reservation for women in local governance, we have been able to help scores of women contest in elections and become effective elected representatives for their communities. For the past 17 years, the Women's Reservation Bill has been pending in the lower house of the national parliament. This bill would create a 33% reservation for women representatives in both the Lok Sabha and in state assemblies, enabling women to overcome extreme structural obstacles to political participation.

EKTA is proud to be a part of the Centre for Social Research and WomenPowerConnect's #33Percent campaign to ensure the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill during the Winter Session of Parliament. To join us in this effort, sign the online petition calling for the Prime Minister of India to pass the bill in the Lok Sabha.