How do you react to these statements? A woman is raped every 34 minutes in India. A child goes missing every 8 minutes. Honour killings are common. Dowry disputes result in a woman being murdered every hour. Just last month, two sisters were actually sentenced to rape by a local court because their brother had an affair with a woman from an upper caste. One of the girls was just 15. About the same time, two toddlers were gang raped in New Delhi. But perpetrators often escape punishment. In such cases, NGOs are often the only emergency support for the victim, as the government does not offer sufficient help. If these facts move you, read on.
Against this backdrop, it’s surely time to back women and children across the world and make a stand with #HerVoice. From November 9th-December 7th the #HerVoice campaign is raising awareness of violence against women in India. The campaign is formed of eight NGOs working together to stop the violence, support survivors of violence and empower women. The #HerVoice partners have been brought together by GlobalGiving and are using their combined influence to inspire the world to take the issue seriously. It aims to call on the Indian government to strengthen existing anti-rape laws to prevent more sexual violence.
On November 13th, #HerVoice ran a Twilight Yoga session in London and across India. The event was organized to mark World Kindness and Tolerance Day.
Another worldwide event run by the campaign is their selfie campaign. People around the world are sharing pictures of themselves holding signs explaining why they stand with #HerVoice. Make sure to tweet your photo with the hashtag #HerVoice.
In November, Her Voice will be joining the annual Reclaim the Night March to take back the night for women everywhere. There will also be a panel debate on November 24th to discuss the best way to help rape survivors across the world.
The NGOs involved include:
· Prajwala- An anti-sex trafficking organization based in India which has rescued over 11,000 girls from slavery.
· ROSI Foundation- which works in areas of extreme poverty offering support to tribal, neglected elder, widowed and destitute women and children.
· Apne Aap Women’s Collective- aims to provide the tools of empowerment to prevent the cycle of prostitution.
· FST- The Foundation for Social Transformation supports development- based initiatives in North-East India.
One NGO with close connections to Leeds is Snehalaya. Miranda Hudson, a Leeds graduate, runs the UK section of the charity. Snehalaya aims to give women, children and LGBT a safe exit from poverty and the commercial sex industry. Run by and for Indians, the service supports over 15,000 people a year and runs 16 projects. Snehalaya hosted an inspirational event in Mumbai to celebrate the release of Malala’s film, He Named Me Malala. #GalaforMalala was attended by over a 1000 VIPs and beneficiaries.
Leeds RAG runs an Easter project volunteering with Snehalaya every year. Last year third year student, Meg Vincent spent some time volunteering with the charity in Ahemednagar, India. She volunteered at a school for children suffering from HIV, a hospital, orphanage, farm and a centre for women in distress. Meg says: “The experience was emotional and sometimes distressing but it showed me the necessity of campaigns such as #HerVoice and the invaluable work Snehalaya undertakes in India.”
Meg raised £500 for the charity before travelling to Ahemednagar and continues to fundraise now. She is helping with the social media aspect of #HerVoice and is hoping to raise more awareness. If you’re interested in becoming involved, you could:
· Donate. The campaign aims to raise a target of £40,000 so if you can spare any amount this Christmas time it will go a long way to help.
· Speak out! Sign the petition to help the #HerVoice campaign put international pressure on the Indian government. The link for the petition is https://www.change.org/p/give-india-back-hervoice
· Join the Thunderclap. On the 7th of December #HerVoice aims to create a social media firework. By signing up to the thunderclap, the message will be shared on your Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr and the combined force will reach millions of people worldwide.
· Get Involved! You could attend an event or even organize your own fundraiser. The #HerVoice website can help you with ideas.
Like the Facebook page to keep up with the campaign and show your support. https://www.facebook.com/withhervoice/?fref=ts
Of course we all agree that every woman and child has the right to live a life free from inequality, cruelty and injustice. And it’s hard for us to imagine it not happening. But it does, every minute of every day. So don’t just think about it and leave it to others. Make sure you back the #HerVoice campaign this month to support vulnerable Indian women and help protect them from violence.
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