Kolkata: The International Awareness Drive to End Violence Against Women, organised by Maitree — a collective of women’s organisations in West Bengal — concluded today at Bowbazaar with resounding messages of solidarity, resistance, and demand for systemic change. The event marked the culmination of the global campaign observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, drawing approximately 200 participants, including community members, activists, and media representatives.
The gathering paid tribute to the enduring spirit of the Mirabal sisters, whose legacy continues to inspire global movements against gender violence. Participants raised strong concerns over the persistent gap between perception and lived reality—highlighting that despite Kolkata’s branding as a “safe city,” official figures recorded 34,691 cases of violence against women in 2023, with countless incidents left unreported due to fear, stigma, and systemic barriers.
The programme included powerful testimonies from survivors, alongside impactful addresses by civil society leaders. Participants collectively demanded:
- Genuine political will and impartial action by law enforcement
- Larger deployment of women police personnel and regular community patrolling
- Gender-sensitive public infrastructure, including better street lighting, CCTV coverage, and sanitation
- Strengthened safety measures across public transport
- Active and accountable intervention from the West Bengal State Women’s Commission
Maitree reiterated that ending violence requires sustained action across multiple fronts: responsive governance, sensitised policing, responsible media representation, and active public participation. The coalition called for continued vigilance, stronger accountability mechanisms, and a society that refuses to normalise gender-based violence.
The event concluded with a collective pledge of solidarity, reaffirming that the movement will continue beyond symbolic observances — until every woman and gender-diverse individual in West Bengal can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.
