National consultation on gender-based violence begins today

A three-day national consultation, being organised by Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP) in collaboration with the US Embassy, began today as part of the annual international campaign on gender-based violence.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds -- judiciary, academia, advertising industry, civil society and diplomacy -- were in attendance at the consultation.
The topics discussed today were "Legality or Justice: The Issues at Stake", "Walking the Talk on Violence Against Women", "Changing Attitudes and Behaviours through Popular Culture" and "Right to Secured Public Spaces".
The 16-day campaign starts with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 and continues till December 10 the Human Rights Day. It originated from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Women's Global Leadership in 1991.

"All of us, men and women, girls and boys, have a role to play by supporting gender equality in our personal and professional capacities, not just for these 16 days, but... everyday of our lives," MaryKay Carlson, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy said.
Speaking about the outreach programmes of the US government in India, she said, "We work with partners such as WISCOMP, drawing on your expertise and experience of working with other local partners."

"I am particularly proud of the partnership between the US Embassy Public Affairs Section and WISCOMP for the 'Youth Countering Violence against Women in India,' programme.

"This focuses on youth taking leadership roles to counter violence against women by focusing on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour change," Carlson said.
An installation titled 'Deconstructing Violence' is also part of the WISCOMP national consultation.
"It exploits interplay of text and image to give a glimpse into women's lives, narratives and journeys and allows for reflection on the visible and invisible processes and structures that create and sustain patriarchal and violent systems of power and control," a statement by WISCOMP said.