Women groups seek to end gender violence

Ranchi: To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, various organisations operating in the state, including the Adivasi Women's Network (AWN), Johar, Nari Shakti and All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF), organised a one-day event at the Xavier Institute of Social Services (XISS) here on Monday.The event featured discussions on the country report of the Indigenous Navigator and launched a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, concluding with a silent march at the Albert Ekka Chowk. The Indigenous Navigator report, a global initiative, aims to create a comprehensive database for indigenous peoples' advocacy and policy-making.Addressing the gathering, woman activist Sunita Munda emphasised harassment faced by adolescent girls and said, "We need to break the silence and empower girls and women to speak out against violence fearlessly."Social activist Sushma Biruli focused on eliminating child marriage, highlighting its adverse effects on women's health. Family counsellor Rose Xaxa stressed the crucial role of families in building a violence-free society, while AICUF youth representative Anay Priyansh called for youth leadership in ending violence against women.Elina Horo, leader of the Women Grievance Redressal Cell (WGRC), Ranchi, demanded institutional action to end gender violence, calling for an active Jharkhand State Women's Commission and a robust women's policy to combat discrimination. The 16-day campaign, which will conclude on December 10, will feature various awareness programmes, addressing gender issues that aim to create lasting impacts in the fight against gender-based violence.