It's Time to RISE UP and SPEAK UP Together

Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

"Real MEN Help HEAL The Wounds, They Never CAUSE Them!"

“It’s Time to RISE UP and SPEAK UP Together”  ~ 25^th November 2012 marked the Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is also the beginning of 16 days Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Women In Need organised “Walk A Mile In Her SHOES”.  The walk was themed “Real Men’s Walk to end Violence against Women”. Women and men took part in a mile long walk, which ended at Galle Face Green. 

Nearly 30 Non Profit Organisations gathered at the Galle Face Green to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 16 days Activism Against Gender Based Violence and the launch of One Billion Rising in Sri Lanka. Forum Against Gender Based Violence and One Billion Rising organised the event at Galle Face Green, where songs, dance and dramas were performed.

"Her SHOE" on display at Galle Face

"Are you man enough to stop the violence against women?"

Men walking in her SHOES in an attempt to understand what it is to be a woman especially a victim of violence

"I acknowledge SHE is NOT an object; SHE is HUMAN as much as I am!"

Crossing the Galle Road

"Be A Role Model to Other MEN! Walk with Us"

Walk to end violence against women

"Be A MAN! Take A Stand Against Domestic Violence!"

"Women are a country's Eyes" ~ placard in Tamil

Jaffna men in women's slippers during the "Walk A Mile in Her SHOES"

Police officers join the "Walk A Mile in her SHOES"

Walking in hot sun to end violence against women

"Break the Silence; WIN Against Violence"

It's Time.......... To Talk About It!

"Let's See Humanity in Women as well" ~ placard in Tamil

Youth from Jaffna at "Walk a Mile in Her SHOES"

Placard at Walk a Mile to end violence against women

Singing and walking for a cause

Walking on Galle Road

"Third Eye" from Batticaloa singing women's liberation songs

Drama depicting the violence in a displaced family in the north, performed by Women's Development Centre in Vavuniya

Police officers raising a kite against violence against women and children

Kite is raised against violence against women and children

Young women's group performing at Galle Face Green at "RISE UP and SPEAK UP 
Together"

 Pictorial on Ceylon Today of 29th November 2012