16 Days of Activism in Govandi: A Focus on Gender Equality and Community Action

From November 26 to December 9, 2024, Govandi observed the global 16 Days of Activism campaign with the theme No Excuse: Time to Act. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and encourage community involvement in creating safer environments. A series of activities were organized throughout this period to educate the community members on gender equality, provide useful resources, and foster collective action.

Constitution Day 

The campaign began with a Constitution Day event held at the Govandi Community Centre on 26th Nov. The session featured guest speaker Activist Suresh Sawant, who discussed the history and significance of the Indian Constitution. He explained the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 and highlighted the fundamental rights it guarantees to citizens. This discussion helped participants understand the importance of the Constitution in shaping the democratic values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity in India.

Sticker Campaign: "Meri Basti Meri Jimmedari" 

A key activity during the campaign was the "Meri Basti Meri Jimmedari" sticker campaign, designed to raise awareness about eve-teasing and encourage people to take responsibility for their communities. Sticker camping was the outcome from the session that took place in the community and was more focused on the POSH act. Stickers with this message, along with helpline numbers, were placed in public spaces and on rickshaws in Shivaji Nagar and Baiganwadi. The campaign received participation from local community members, including rickshaw drivers and children, who helped spread the message and ensure that the issue of harassment was brought to the forefront.

White Ribbon Day 

On December 8th, 2024, White Ribbon Day was celebrated at Bhudha Vihar with the participation of 220 individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about gender equality and community welfare. The event featured four key informational stalls: the Child Corner, offering creative activities for children while parents participated in other events; the PDS Stall, in collaboration with the Social Protection Desk, which provided information about the Public Distribution System and the Government Schemes Stall, set up in collaboration with Jan Sahas for Ayushman Card, Aabha Card and Eshram Card and Romila Palliative Care, offering valuable insights into services for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.

The event also included three interactive activities to engage participants. The Dart Game encouraged discussions on gender equality by posing questions about perceptions of gender roles. The Pregnancy Act Game allowed male participants to experience pregnancy by wearing weighted props, highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant women. This game was to understand the challenges faced by pregnant women. The Balloon Coordination Game promoted teamwork as participants worked together to complete tasks.

Additionally, the Child Corner (Shishu manch) hosted a creative drawing activity for children, helping them reflect on the day’s themes in a fun, artistic way. White Ribbon Day 2024 was a reminder of the power of community, awareness, and action in building a more inclusive society.

Rally Against Gender-Based Violence 

The campaign concluded with a rally on December 9, 2024, from Shivaji Nagar to Baiganwadi Demo Center. The rally aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote a collective effort in addressing these issues. Community members actively participated and suggested locations for placing awareness stickers to increase visibility. PSI Salunkhe Madam from the Nirbhaya Squad addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in tackling gender-based violence.

Outcomes of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

The 16 Days of Activism in Govandi resulted in the following outcomes:

1. Community Engagement: Many individuals participated in the various activities, helping to spread awareness and learn more about gender equality and available support services.
2. Access to Government Schemes: White Ribbon Day allowed several community members to obtain information about government schemes like Ayushman Cards, Aabha Cards, and Eshram Cards, which can improve their access to social benefits.
3. Awareness of Gender Issues: The interactive games and discussions provided a platform for participants to engage with sensitive topics, improving understanding of gender roles and the challenges faced by individuals in different situations.
4. Community Responsibility: The sticker campaign and rally helped reinforce the idea that ensuring safety and promoting equality is the responsibility of the entire community, not just the authorities.

Conclusion

The 16 Days of Activism campaign in Govandi served as an important opportunity for raising awareness about gender-based violence and encouraging action within the community. By hosting educational events, awareness campaigns, and interactive activities, the initiative helped participants gain a better understanding of gender issues and the steps they can take to promote equality and safety in their surroundings.