Gender Policy Lab, Greater Chennai Corporation initiates 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, engages diverse audiences for change and awareness.
The Ripon Building and Napier Bridge will be illuminated between 6.30 pm and 7.00 pm on 30 November and 7 December. (Supplied)
If you happen to be near the iconic Ripon Building in Chennai this evening, 30 November, and notice it bathed in a vibrant orange hue instead of its usual resplendent white, don’t be surprised.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) commenced the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on 25 November by illuminating the city’s headquarters in orange.
Meera Sundararajan, team lead at the Gender and Policy Lab (GPL), GCC, expressed their commitment to the cause.
“For the second consecutive year, the Ripon Building stands in solidarity with this global movement,” she mentioned. “We will showcase this commitment by extending the illumination of the Ripon Building and Napier Bridge on 30 November and 7 December,” she emphasised.
The colour orange symbolises unity and solidarity in eradicating all forms of violence. The Center for Women’s Global Leadership launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign globally in 1991. It annually runs from 25 November to 10 December.
As part of their efforts, GPL will host Jackson Katz, an internationally renowned educator-social theorist.
Today, Ripon Buildings is lit up in orange as part of the #16DaysofActivismCampaign & the Intl. Day for the #EliminationofViolenceAgainstWomen.GCC shows solidarity with the cause of ending violence against women,children,&other vulnerable groups. #orangetheworld #Gender&PolicyLab pic.twitter.com/1DQ3lrz4pE
— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) November 25, 2023
With extensive expertise in addressing violence against women and exploring men’s roles, Katz’s discussion, scheduled for 7 December at Amma Maligai, aims to engage diverse audiences.
This will include public-facing officials from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), GCC, and the police department, along with students, and corporate representatives.
The aim is to foster an inclusive dialogue among various sectors, creating a more involved community in the fight against gender-based violence.
“While the event welcomes all, we specifically encourage active participation from men. We believe their involvement could significantly impact the cause,” emphasised Sundararajan.
The GPL’s recent survey revealed alarming statistics; specifically, 62% of surveyed women reported no intervention during harassment incidents. This revelation has spurred the GPL’s initiative to address this pressing concern through a forthcoming bystander intervention programme.
Moreover, the GPL plans to release two informative videos on 7 December. This aims to raise awareness about bystander intervention and its pivotal role in curbing gender-based violence.
Sundararajan reflected on recent incidents, especially the one involving two Tamil news channels subjecting women to moral policing outside a Chennai pub.
“Women’s presence in bars is often perceived negatively, reinforcing biases and subjecting their actions to judgment within these spaces. The perception of bars as vice-ridden places shows persistent gender-based stereotypes and societal scrutiny,” she said.
GCC commenced the 16 Days of Activism on 25 November by illuminating the city’s headquarters in orange. (Supplied)
“This scrutiny, as observed in recent media coverage, contributes to biases against women in public spaces. This hinders reporting due to societal pressures,” she noted.
The Ripon Building and Napier Bridge will be lit up between 6.30 pm and 7.00 pm on 30 November and 7 December.
If you are a woman in distress or a bystander willing to provide assistance, contact the women’s helpline at 181.
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