By Acharya S.P. Dwivedi
The biggest mass action to end violence against women, Billion Rising, was launched by Eve Ensler on Valentine Day of February 14,2012 and since then it has become a global event to cultivate awareness to eliminate violence against women and girls; and to challenge the forces and systems of injustice, exploitation, abuse, and oppression. The Billion refers, keeping in mind the world population of 7 Billions, to the UN statistic that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her life time.
On one hand the forces of fascism, imperialism, racism, neo-liberalism are on rise which contribute enormous problems for poor and marginalized communities especially women and on other the old deformed patriarchal mentality, religious and cultural discriminatory attitude are still strengthening the gender prejudices.
The One Billion Rising Movement has broaden its horizons and now includes violence against natives, children and seniors. The activists of this movement are challenging also those who are perpetuating war, greedy developers, capitalists and environment plunderer.
The theme of this year event was “Rise in Solidarity”. The Network To Eliminate Violence In Relationships (NEVR)is a leading organization in lower mainland which has been constantly popularizing this event through regular programs. This year it organized two events one at Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus on February 21 that highlighted the opening ceremony by native group, welcoming address by Dr. Sal Ferreras, VP, Academics, speeches delivered by Mayor Linda Hepner of Surrey and Dr Balbir Gurm, the Chair of NEVR. The audience participated and enjoyed the Break The Chain Dance and refreshment. The second event was held on February 22nd at Surrey Central Public Library to train the people who will help the women in preventing and supporting the victims of physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuses.
NEVR organizes, time to time, seminars, workshops and conferences on relationship violence. Relationship violence is also known as intimate partner, domestic and spousal violence that is a serious preventable public health and crime issue. The national statistic reveals that on average, in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner every six days, it accounts for over 25% of all violent offenses while 70% violent offenses are not reported to the police. NEVR is supported by more than fifty organizations. It has brought out a Tool Kit which provides useful and practical solutions of relationship violence.
Acharya S.P.Dwivedi is a Member of the NEVR Media Committee.
