Event on gender sensitisation held in Delhi

To spread awareness on the issue of violence against women, a day-long event consisting of plays, dances and songs was organised here Friday.

The second edition of the annual "One Billion Rising" campaign against all forms of violence against women and girls was organised at Central Park in Connaught Place.

Kamla Bhasin, South Asia Coordinator, One Billion Rising, said: "We are working to challenge patriarchal mindset and behaviour by launching a new freedom movement for the women and girls of south Asia."

Non-governmental organisation ActionAid India and an organiser called for fast-tracking of the more than 23,000 rape cases pending before courts in India.

Sehjo Singh, Director of Programmes at ActionAid India, said: "The extremely low conviction rates send out a signal to the perpetrators that they are free to act with impunity and can deter women from reporting rape and other crimes of sexual violence."

"If the government is serious about reducing rape and other crimes against women, it must ensure that every case of sexual assault is treated with sensitivity and equal importance," added Singh.