‘Women in Black’ hold lamps to take a stand against violence

Hubballi: When soldiers were killed during a war between Israel and Palestine, 25 years ago, many mothers in both countries launched an anti-war movement ‘Women in Black,’ holding traditional lamps in their hands in search of their sons. The movement then spread across the world against war and violence.
Now, Karnataka Rajya Mahila Dourjanya Virodhi Okkuta (KRMDVO), a women’s organization has launched a similar campaign against violence on women, in Dharwad district. Speaking to TOI, Sharada Dabade, convener, KRMDO, said Vimochana had started the movement in Bengaluru a few years ago.

“Now we have initiated the movement in Dharwad district where we are holding state level International Women’s Day programme on March 8 and 9. Okkuta, which was floated after Nirbhaya case in 2013, has conducted similar conventions in Mangaluru, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Vijayapura, Koppal and Shivamogga since the past six years, where we hold state level conventions on the eve of Women’s Day,”she said.

“Now we are taking the movement to small towns like Navalgund, Alnavar, Kalghtagi and Kundagol. We have roped in anganwadi workers, mid-day meals workers, Asha workers, pourakarmikas, garment factory workers, college students and women of various walks of life,” she added.

Vani Periodi, another organizer said, “Black is the colour to express resistance. Silence is the language to voice our anguish. During the rally we stand at the main circles in the towns from 6pm to 7pm holding traditional lamps in our hands. It is a peaceful way to create awareness among both men and women to eradicate violence on women,” she added.

Rajani Garud, a volunteer, said another Women in Black rally will be held on International Women’s Day on March 8 at the Jubilee Circle in Dharwad at 6pm.

Convention in Dharwad from tomorrow

Shankaragouda Satmar, one of organizers of the convention, said on Wednesday that many resource persons like activists Manimala and Amarjit Kaur from Delhi, thinker Lata Pratibha Madhukar from Hyderabd and others will participate in the meet. "The event will be inaugurated at Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangh at 9.30am on Friday with a seminar on Woman and Political Sense followed by other sessions related to women. Women in black will take out a silent rally at Jubilee Circle at 7pm to register their resistance against violence on women,” he added. Veteran poet Hema Pattanshetti said a rally and convention will be held at Kadapa Maidan at 9.30am on Saturday.

Theatre personality Rajani Garud said, "From its inception till date around 160 organisations have gathered under the Okkuta’s umbrella. People who subscribe to democratic social values like equality, social justice and those who are pro-life can be part of the Okkuta. This network has been organising International Women's Day events since 2013,” she said.

Basavaraj Sulibhavi , another organizer, said the Okkuta was raising the Rs10 lakh needed for the convention by seeking funds from the government, corporate companies and by selling hand kerchiefs and other campaign material of the event.