Acharya S.P.Dwivrdi
It is largest mass action to eliminate violence against women (cisgender, transgender, gender- based violence) in human history. Campaign was launched on Valentine’s Day on 2012 and began as a call to action based on horrible statistic, “1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her life -time, that is one billion women and girls”.
This event has been organized every year since 2012 by the Networking to Eliminate Violence Relationships (NEVR) to create awareness about violence against women. Every year, we rise together in February, across the world to show our local communities and the world what 1 billion looks like; and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that most often face. People rise through dance to express joy and celebrate the reality that we have not forgotten and defeated by the abominable violence. Because of pandemic Covid it was virtually celebrated on February 16, 2022.
Dr. Balbir Gurm, the chair of NEVER welcomed the participants of about 32 representatives of the affiliated organizations. Monica Verma efficiently carried the role of MC. Mayor of Burnaby addressed the group. A pre-recorded song by KrystleDos Santos was relayed, and Anna Maria read the Pledge which was repeated by others. The question- answer session was quite interesting. Donna gave the closing remark.
