SAVISTHRI's Campaign

Text and pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai 

Signature against violence against women

A public signature campaign under the theme “Violence Against Women is Violence Against Humanity” was launched recently near the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, to create awareness on violence against women. “SAVISTHRI” – Women in Development Alternative organized the campaign, which will continue till 8^th of March 2013 in 15 areas, in 13 districts namely Anuradhapura, Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle,  Kurunegala, Matara, Matale, Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya . Grassroots level women activists from fisheries, farming and estate sectors participated in the signature campaign.

“The objective of the campaign is to seek public attention and participation, call to improve good governance, condemn rape, murder and violence against women, respect and restore right to life and equal treatment to people living in the north and east. It’s a continuous campaign at village and national levels” says Padma Pushpakanthi, National Secretary of “SAVISTHRI”.

Banner with signatures

Child participating at the campaign on violence against women

Campaign on violence against women is currently underway

Banners to create awareness

Drama performance on the street

Woman from signs the "signature banner"

Pink paper flag

Purple banner to highlight violence against women

Sandhya Eknaligoda, wife of missing Sri Lankan cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda at the violence against women campaign

Woman signs a banner

Participants at the violence against women campaign

Campaign banner at Viharamahadevi (Victoria) park

Woman sits in front of the Colombo Municipal Council to create awareness

Women from the grassroots participate at the ongoing campaign

Street drama performance by People's Cultural Collective

Women participants in pensive mood

"End Violence Against Women Now" ~ activists reiterate

Street drama performer depicting a scene on violence against women

Despite balmy weather, women sit on the ground to create awareness on violence against women

NEWS in Pictures on Ceylon Today of 17th of December 2012

Courtesy: CEYLON TODAY