REPORT ON THE

WORKSHOP "WOMEN
UNDERSTANDING MY
RESPONSIBILITY,
ADDRESSING GENDER
BASED VIOLENCE
INEQUALITY"
KOLKATA
09-10- Feb 2017
Day I

Date: 09:02:2017

Introduction:

Gender based violence is the common phenomenon in almost all the

countries. Religions, Customs, age - old prejudices has been the major
factors. Apart from these factors, meagre participation of women in
education, economic spheres and the value system which has been against
women have made women dependent on men. All these factors have made
women ignorant of their rights and if not, they do not have easy access to
justice.

Violence can be of different forms. Physical violence which includes assault,

serious injuries or burns etc. Sexual violence which includes extreme form
of rape resulting in taking away the dignity of a person. Verbal abuse which
includes use of filthy language etc. Social violence which includes
humiliation from the community. Emotional violence includes depriving a
person from love, care, concern etc. Other forms of violence includes
financial, violence, denial of education, access to health facilities etc.
Gender Based Violence that threatens the well being, rights and dignity of
women has emerged as the global issue.

The issues related to gender based violence are being raised and discussed
in different forums. Shakti Vahini in partnership with US Consulate, Kolkata
and other local stakeholders is organizing a two day workshop to address
issues related Gender based Violence and Inequality on 9th &
10th February, 2017 at American centre, Kolkata. The workshop
titled “woMEn: Understanding my Responsibility in Addressing
Gender-Based Violence and Inequality” is one of the series of
workshops that have been planned across east and north east India to focus
efforts on strengthening gender equality on university campuses and also
the global fight to end gender based violence.

The workshop has been attended by nearly 75 students belonging to

various universities and colleges of West Bengal and Delhi such as Delhi
school of Social Work and Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of
Delhi, Amity University, Jadavpur University, Calcutta University, Muslim
Institute Study centre, Maritime University, Maharaja Srischandra College,
St. Paul’s Cathedral Mission College, St. Xavier’s College, Shyama Prasad
college, Scottish Church College, Army Institute of
Managgement, Unitedworld School of Business, Basanti Devi College, St.
Josheph's College, St. Josheph's College, Shri Shikshayatan College,
Loretto College, Ashutosh College and Lady Braborne College from across
West Bengal state.

Inaugural Session – U.S. Consul General Mr. Craig Hall

Time – 09.00 AM – 09.30 AM

The Hon’ble Consul General, Kolkata initiated the two day workshop stating
that Gender violence is violation of human rights and therefore there is the
utmost need to come together and address the issue. According to him, it
is the responsibility of every human being to understand the problem and
come together towards addressing the issue of Gender Based Violence and
Inequality. According to him, in this fast changing world, the mindset of the
people has also been changing. To curb this problem both Indians and
Americans has to come together. This is because we work together because
every life matters and the more we work together, we will be able to
influence more people from other countries as well. When men and women
are treated with dignity, the entire individual will be benefiting. Therefore
the two days workshop had been organised. He also mentioned that he
admired the commitment to be part of a change. It is a generational change
which is possible but it can’t happen without changing popular culture. The
way we come together and learn different skills, use of different tools to
communicate with society and implement in the community, then the
change can happen.

Session I: Gender Based Violence, The issues, Concerns and

Consequences: Anrita Das Gupta, Swayam:

Time – 9.40AM -10.30 AM

The speaker initiated her session by putting forth the question on what is
gender violence. Answering the same, she stated that it may vary from
anything to everything such as a stare can also lead to violence, domestic
violence, sexual assault, acid attacks, worst sex ratio, sexist jokes,
suppression where women cannot express their opinion or thoughts,
stalking, character assassination etc.

The speaker then went on to discuss about the work that Swayam as an
organization provides to end violence against women and children. They
provide direct support services to women facing violence including
counselling, contact and follow up with police, Legal Advice and Aid, Health
care support, career counselling, referrals for vocational training,
employment and shelter and child support. According to the speaker, they
look at each woman's problem in a holistic way and try to give her as much
support as possible, to help empower her to take decisions about her life,
and stand on her own feet. As part of their objective, is to emphasise on
helping women to help themselves.

The speaker then went on to focus on their study wherein it’s found that
during war around 79% of women were sexually exploited. Showcasing the
scenario of crime against women she stated that in the year 2015, 33218
cases of Violence against women cases were reported. 201163 cases were
of marital violence, 498 cases were dowry murder cases, 452 were rape
cases, 5069 were of molestation and 3940 were of kidnapping.

She stated that crime against women is an important issue wherein the role
of society is very evident. It’s the patriarchal mind-set of the society due
to which the cases are on rise.. The inherent mind-set that women are
weaker sections leaves women in vulnerability. She said even we use terms
like ‘rescue’ which in itself is very problematic and sounds vulnerable.

Questions raised:

Q1. Can sex workers register a case of sexual assault?

Ans: Yes, they can. But the procedure is very complicated and also not
being practiced.

Q2. How do we keep the women safe?

Ans: Restictions are not the solutions such as hostel curfew timings. But
change can happen only by talking or speaking to each other especially
men. Men should be made understood about gender equality.

One of the students shared an incident wherein a student from their college
who was in relationship with a boy of the same college. The boy made some
videos of the girl and made it viral wherein the college authorities rather
taking any action against the boy, restricted the girl from the college.
Session II: Gender: Let’s talk! – Malavika Sharma, Social
entrepreneur and activist, Ranchi.

10:30AM-11:30AM

The session started with a sharing of an incident wherein a student shared

that one of her neighbours, the father has been torturing the daughter since
a long time by physically assaulting her. The girl used to even have burnt
marks in her body. Thus, here the perpetrator is the father and the girl is
the victim, so how can the girl be helped in such cases.

At this the speaker stated that we should have an understanding on the

diferrence between a strict person versus a psychotic narcissist. And if in
case we really want to bring change then that can only be done by talking
about the issue. Thus it should be #changebytalk.

She questioned the students that “What is gender issue to you?” The
answers that the student provided were:

• Discrimination where the boys are given more freedom than girls.
• Women condemned wearing shorts.
• Untouchability during menstruation
• Boys don’t wear pink colour clothes.
• Restrictions on the mobility.
• Dowry where the inequality exists.
• It’s not safe for girls to go out at night.
 • Women shouldn’t smoke.
• Women to be discriminated as the witch.
• Men don’t wash dishes and are suppose to take care of women.

To sum up gender issue is all about patriarchy. But the concepts have been
changing. In 1918’s time, pink being the strong colour was for boys and
blue for girls but now in 2017, it’s the opposite. Patriarchy is not only having
power to women. Women are also patriarchal and it’s a power over.

For example – eldest “bahu” to have more power than the younger
“bahu’s”.

Then the video was shown both of foreign and Indian contexts, where small
kids are asked to talk about a girl and at last the boys were asked to slap
a girl. Both in India and Foreign, the socialisation of children are seven as
at the age of 8 to 11 years, they are taught not to hit a girl. At the age of
13 puberty starts and this is the time to teach the children about the gender
issues, sexuality etc. At the age of 25 – 30 years it is okay for men to hit a
girl and needs to ponder upon where exactly we are going wrong. Gender
issue can’t be addressed in two days; it will take a long time. All is that the
mind-set of the people needs to be changed then only we can see the
change taking place. She also showed another video wherein the relation
between a father and his daughter was shown where the father realises
how there was the fault in their parenting wherein the patriarchal norms of
gendered roles was taught to her during her childhood due to which she
has to render multiple roles of mother, wife and a working woman who has
very little time to think about herself. He regrets of never helping her
mother who too once upon a time played the same role when she was a
child. He realises how equality between the two persons is very much
important.

Questions Raised:

Q. how have you provided help to the people and how it has helped them?

Ans: The speaker stated that she is also a lawyer by profession as well as
an activist and social entrepreneur. She has been providing trainings for
empowering women and stopping migration, creating social enterprises and
also promoting young social entrepreneurs.

The speaker concluded her session staing that we need “Bahus” but not
“betis”, something to think about. She said Bahu is a part of the family and
not a servant and therefore we can only address the issue or bring change
by talking to one another and coming up with solutions.
Session III: Engaging Men in Combating Gender Based Violence –
Walk the talk – Kant Brothers, Shakti Vahini.

Time – 11.45 AM – 12.15 AM

The session was started by sharing the journey of three brothers through
video in Combating Gender Based Violence. It was shown how Ravi Kant
handles the legal part of the organisation, Nishikant managing or looking
after the organisation and Rishi Kant sir looking after the media part of the
organisation.

Sharing regarding the challenges faced by them before forming the

organisation – In early 90’s HIV Aids was the huge problem. At that time
they were in Universities and started the campaign against it. They
gathered friends from JNU, Jamia University, Delhi University etc.
Conducted the awareness programme through street plays, went to various
markets to gather funds. They even visited UN agencies and asked for the
pamphlets rather than the funds. After lots of efforts, the articles were
published in different newspapers. Then they started conducting awareness
programme all over India. They used to go to brothels and distribute
condoms to prevent HIV Aids and saw children being sold to brothels. This
was how their journey started.

Ravi Sir shared his experience working for the ban of Khap Panchayats,
which indulges in honour killing. Girls being not allowed to go out for
education, restriction in the choice of marriage.etc. Then he shared about
his engagement with the law enforcement agencies in training police
officials, judges etc. He also gave few examples of the rescues done. One
of the college students of North east had become friends in the social media
and while travelling, she was rescued. Another example of Mizo girl being
trafficked by a Jat army man etc. The enforcement of stringent laws has
been bringing changes but at the same time, the mindset of the people also
needs to be changed.

Social activist and Youth Entrepreneur, Uttrakhand- Divya Rawat,

Divya Rawat had got a Masters degree from Amity University. Thereafter
she worked with Shakti Vahini for two years. Shakti Vahini has played a
vital role in achieving who she is now. After two years working in Shakti
Vahin, she went back to her state Uttrakhand and did a research for a year.
As Uttrakhand is more into planning, she initiated the Mushroom Cultivation
programme, which could be the source of livelihood and the profit making
is also high. She felt that trafficking is due to poverty, further poverty leads
to migration making then reside in a pathetic condition. Through economic
empowerment all the issues of migration, trafficking would be reduced,
therefore started with the mushroom cultivation in Uttrakhand. For the
mushroom cultivation she made use of the available resources like the
abandoned house left by people who have migrated etc. Many people have
benefited from this mushroom cultivation and she is currently the young
Brand Ambassador of Uttrakhand. She even encouraged the University
students to choose the subject and start from the home state as ‘Charity
begins at Home’.
Session IV: NGO opportunities for student internship

Time -12.15 – 13.00 PM.

I. Ananya Bhattacharya, Director Bangla Natak.com

Banglanatak dot com is a social enterprise working across India with a

mission to foster pro-poor growth and protection of rights of women,
children and indigenous communities. It specialises in communication for
development (C4D) using theatre and developing community led creative
industries based on intangible cultural heritage like performing arts and
crafts. "TourEast" is their new initiative to promote Cultural Tourism in West
Bengal and the Rural Craft hubs as tourism destinations. Their model of
community led cultural tourism promotes responsible tourism and offers an
authentic experience of heritage and artsy culture of India. Programs at
Bihar target behaviour change for improved reproductive and child health
and making community a partner for strengthening access & usage of
health services. Art for Life (AFL) targets socio-economic empowerment
and inclusion of indigenous communities, while safeguarding intangible
cultural heritage.

The organization reaches out to the economically poor communities

physically and provide them traditional skill development on performing
folk traditions, oral traditions, make them understand that culture itself can
be used as employment skill for earning liveluihood etc.

II. Saptarishi Biswas, IJM

International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global organisation that protects the

most vulnerable from violence and oppression irrespective of their gender,
community, caste, race, and ethnicity. IJM India works with the State and
Central governments on two forms of human trafficking: Bonded Labour
and sex trafficking of minors. We work alongside government officials and
grassroots organisations to rescue and rehabilitate victims, prosecute
offenders, and train public justice officials.

III. Sohini Chakraborty, Sanved,

Kolkata Sanved’s unique Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) curriculum trains

survivors of trafficking, exploitation and abuse to become peer educators,
advocates, movement trainers and performers, enabling them to lead lives
of dignity and respect.

They have drawn from the Western concept of DMT and applied Indian
dance movements to create a successful model and developed a new
approach of ‘Sampoornata’ for psycho-social rehabilitation and social
transformation. Since its inception in 2004 Kolkata Sanved has worked in
partnership with 30 organizations across South Asia
including community organizations, civil society networks, rights groups
and government institutions.

They conduct sessions in shelter homes, hospitals, government institutions,

schools and on railway platforms. Working in partnership with local and
international organizations, we have implemented our program in India,
Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia.

IV. Alok Goswami, SANLAAP

Sanlaap is an Anti Trafficking organization started under the active

guidance and participation of the Lt. Indrani Singha working with victims of
trafficking and sexual assault. They had been running a Crisis Centre at the
red light area of Kolkata where the children of sex workers are provided
institutional care and protection. According to the speaker, the children stay
there and also go to school for pursing education.

He pointed out to their initiated called Muktir Aloy Programme where

training is provided to the mother and their children who are at risk.
Mothers cannot be separated from their children just because they are
social workers, thus facilities had been introduced to take care of their
children.

Questions Raised:
Q. How can the children of sex workers be helped as they face inequality
when they step out of the red light area?

Ans: The scenario has changed. Every children of the sex workers are
helped to have birth certificates, children are admitted at school and more
than 200-500 children are going to school at present. Also the Supreme
Court has also passed an order where the name of the father during
admission is not compulsory.

Q. How can we get the women out of such a place?

Ans: Change is not easy, it’s a slow process. We need to provide awareness,
therapy to them too.

Session V: North East Perspective – Tackling Mindsets in Gender

Based Violence Issues – Ms. Monika Khangembam, Founder of
Women and Youth for Peace and Development, Manipur.

Ms. Monika Khangembam talked about the organisation she is running

which provides psycho social therapy and trainings to women who are in
distressed condition. For this session she mainly focussed on the gender
based violence in context to the people of North east. She started with the
racism that happened in Delhi and asked the participants to share if anyone
has faced any kind of violence. She talked about the harassment that North
East people face from land lords, class mates. According to North East
Support Centre Help line (NESCH), biasness from officer’s faculty and the
bias among the law enforcing agency are the major triggers that amplify
the problem

There is the stereotype of North East Women being looses. Sometimes if

you have to go to the govt officials or police to file a complaint, they refuse
to file a complaint and tend to take issue very lightly. In this context she
shared her experience in the immigration office, where the immigration
officer asked whether she was Indian or not and how she feels about being
an India. This shows that at every level North East people racism.

When the North East people go to other states, there the North east people
would be less in number, where racism occurs i.e. dominant community
oppresses the other lesser community. Race, colour, gender doubles the
discrimination. Therefore we cannot isolate Gender Based violence from
racism, sexism, homophobia etc.

Few instances of discrimination were shared by the participants.

1. One of the victim shared about her friend being called “Chinky” a
term generally used for North eastern comparing them to Chinese
2. Another shared how some landlords are particular in renting their
houses to north eastern students due to their food habits
3. Another student shared instances where racist remarks are made to
their north eastern friends in the street by shopkeepers or any such
persons.

Then the example was set by two students who were asked to enact a
situation where the girl was sexually assaulted by a boy in the same
workshop to evaluate the reaction of the audiences. Although the situation
was scripted but it was not in the knowledge of the audiences when it was
played to collect actual reactions from the audiences. The examples
focussed on the emphasis on intent than impact, where we give emphasis
on perpetrators rather than listening to the victims, what she is going
through. When we talk about intend we are not giving chance for redressal.
All this issue can’t be solved by including North east in the curriculum but
by learning to stay in Multi cultural society and respect for each other’s
culture.

Session VI: Violence in relationship in campus – Indrajit Sinha, Life

Skills Trainer, Director, We are Young Foundation.

Mr. Indrajit Sinha is from Assam and the founder of “We are Young
Foundation”. It’s an NGO focusing on civic action or active citizen and
provides leadership trainings. The topic of discussion was the “dating
relationship”. He started with the sentence that having a girlfriend is the
property in which many were against. Few participants mentioned that we
cannot tell or treat human being as the property. Then he asked how many
have boyfriends and girlfriends. To surprise it was seen that many of the
students were reluctant to reply to the same.

There after he talked about the term possessiveness in a relationship, which

means there is restrictions and sometimes very difficult to explain. Then he
started sharing about the types of violence i.e. emotional, psychological or
physical to control a person. he focused on the emotional violence and
explained the three stages.

• First stage is the tension building – In his stage, most the blaming
takes place. They try to restrict and build tension around you. In such
situation, the fear arises where you will be uncomfortable to share
with others. In this stage in the name of care, people try to control.
Abuser tries to isolate you from the loved ones. Like parents, friends.
• Second stage is the abuse – In this stage abuser tries to verbally,
physically abuse you as well tries to humiliate you in public.
• Third stage is the Honeymoon phase – In this stage person tries to
control over you by sex where you are not comfortable and at that
time abuser tells sorry and then change might occur fro few days and
then the same circle begins i.e. again starts from the first stage.

Therefore emotional abuse in the relationship is the never ending process.

Trying to control a person is violence and the other things that come like
pressuring to do inappropriate things through texts messages or videos are
also firms of violence.

The speaker used various tools such as making sketches, videos and
interactive sharing of incidents to grab the participation of the students as
well as building their understanding on the existence of violence in
relationships.

Session VII: Engagement with media – Working with media as a

partner on GBV issues – Mr. Faizan Haider, Senior Journalists,
Hindustan Times, Dwipayan Ghosh, The Times of India and
Anwesha Banerjee, Ei Samay

Time – 15.45PM – 16.45PM

Mr. Faizan Haider, Senior Journalists, Hindustan Times,

The speakers mentioned that the role of media is very much important
in addressing issues like gender based violence or trafficking. Although it
cannot work isolated but needs the collaboration with various agencies and
institutions in the society. Media too has some constraints in publishing or
showcasing stories related to Gender based Violence or crime against
women and children until and unless they make a huge news.

The speaker to the students shared some of the ways to reach out to media
such as recording a video or recording a document, maintaining the contact
with media person or making use of the mass communication department
of college. Other things that attract media are

1. Organise a programme or the street play or the meeting or musical

show to attract the media.
2. Various groups such as clubs, college groups, sports groups etc can
create an event in which media attract more people as well.
3. Groups can go to police station and write articles which can be
published etc or organise a small event in police station etc.

The speakers also shared about the challenges that the media persons has
to face while reporting such cases. In print media there is always a
constraint on the size of the news or other stories which are on limelight
grabs the much attention as well as approval for publishing due to which
issues such as gender based violence becomes negligent.

The speakers also pointed out to the authenticity of the cases referred to
them which they need to check before publishing them. Such as if they are
being referred to a case in order to validate their authenticity the various
government documents or orders are being evaluated followed by a proper
research on the issue before covering the case.
Session VIII: Social Media – An Effective Tool to raise awareness
on Gender Based – Shobha SV/Senior Manager Digital Engagement.

Time – 17.15 PM – 18.00 PM

The topic of discussion was on the campaign for gender based issue on
social media with the use of available tools. There is the presence of virtual
and physical spaces which is useful for the campaign. With the current
advent, media is converging creating differences. In physical spaces, there
will be limited interaction and in the virtual spaces, we can interact with
whole world in shorter time and there will be wider range of audiences both
known and unknown. Now days we can be in both the places
simultaneously. For example, online in watsapp of face book and at the
same time give lecturers. In physical spaces if you are alone, you feel
helpless but it’s not the same with virtual space. Silence can be broken
when there is large number. Both the virtual and the physical space is
important for reaching out to various population to share or talk about an
issue.

She shared about the campaign “Happy to Bleed”. This in regard to a

temple in Kerala i.e. Sabrimala temples where the age group of 8 to 50
years of women were not allowed to enter the temple. They could enter
only after the menopause.

Next se shared about Nikita Azad who wrote in Youth Ki Awaz regarding
menstruation. It started as the blog post then became an event in
faccebook page, twitter, instagram etc.Later it became a mass movement
where women from different parts started supporting. There were many
more examples shared by her and few are these mentioned above.
Another part of the campaign is the offline plan where we should not only
use social media but needs to go to the ground. As a part of offline plan
interview of the people with higher power can be done and put in social
media. For a good campaign, the content is very important which needs to
be very good to go viral. It is also about the creativity and the way how we
can use resources at its best.
Session IX: S/He: A conversation on gender using the arts –
Raymond O. Caldwell, Theatre Arts Professor, Howard University,
College of Arts and Sciences, Division of fine Arts/ Department of
Theatre Arts.

Time – 18.00 PM – 18.45 PM

In this session Raymond O. Caldwell tries to use theatre groups in

understanding the gender based issue and the ways to converse with them
using arts. His session focussed on building community and creating a
space for critical analyze. His art of understanding community is by asking
question to the community and let them answer on their own. During the
session he used many games to make the concept more meaningful and
understandable.

The idea of advocacy for women is scary as they come in conflict with the
mindsets of the people. This may make women vulnerable and the fear of
calling them feminist. In this case the idea of advocacy and having right
language to communicate is important. Each of the acts were performed in
the circle, which represents no hierarchy and all having equal opportunities.
To understand the issue and the community, he uses there group based
therapy namely Movement, Tabloo and Forum Group theatre.

Movement based therapy allows or provides you the space to think about
self i.e. the therapy gives some message and at last ask the question.
Tabloo group therapy is the one that tells story with frozen pieces. It always
conveys a message on the issue. Lastly forum based therapy reflects on
how community change and the different solutions required to solve the
problem.

Session X: Youth Initiatives: Skype Connect with students from the

Voices against Violence Program, University of Texas – Moderated
by Greg Pardo Assistant Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate.

Time – 19.30PM – 20.30 PM

The session was to connect the students of India with the students of the
University of Texas and share about the experiences regarding the gender
based violence. University of Texas had the participation of representatives
from different organisation. They shared that sexual harassment issue is
very common everywhere, it may be at campus of other places. Initially
they started talking in campus with friends and facility members without
targeting the masculinity. They held talks on healthy masculinity; this was
how the participation of the boys were more in their organisation. One of
the representatives named Bryan came up with the idea of sticking stickers
at the back of the toilet doors to spread the ideas with other member of
the school.

The Indian students shared that the Indian context of the less participation
of the boys in the issue and the criticism they have to face. Men in Indian
society are bounded by social stigma in regard to the understanding of
gender based violence. Even if the people are highly qualified, mindset
towards the society have not changed and the cultural factors has been
playing the major role.

DAY II

Session I: Legal responses on Gender Based Violence – Ms. Durga

Khaitan, Additional District judge, West Bengal, judicial services.

The speaker started the day’s sessions with the understanding of Gender
based Violence as the any form of abuse, physical, mental, Psychological,
social or economical elicited solely due to the gender of the victim may it
be masculinity, feminity or transgender. Social biases are the main reason
and education is the major factor in getting out of all these. Psychological
makeup is the result of social basis. In our live we are very insensitive, for
example if we come across a transgender, it’s not even once we don’t look
at them. It’s not only about north east or being a female, Bastar or Tamilian
etc but includes all. This insensitiveness is about categorizing people by
their colour, gender, place of birth etc. This is not supposed to be done by
the so called civilised society.
She further tells that if some body’s brother is murdered or dacoit in the
home, she does feel ashamed of being the victim of such things but feels
ashamed of being the victim of sexual assault. This is the primary
distinction, of which we need to come out.

Legal responses on Gender based violence – Law has the role to deal with
it. Legal responses are built with prevention, punishment and rehabilitation.
Legal responses on gender based Violence can be categorised into three

1. Legislative – Legislative measures mean law making, 2013 Criminal

law Amendment Act is new one, many new offences has been
identified like stalking has been identified as an offence, expansion in
the reservation for the outrage of modesty. All these have been
amended under legislative measures.
2. Judiciary - Judiciary has been reacting seriously towards the gender
Based Violence issue.
3. Enforcement agency is the executive agency.

In all laws there are checks and balances by way of cross examination or
by looking at the whole of the picture or various other ways. These are the
judicial responses. In 2013 Criminal law amendment act makes enforcing
legislative accountable for lapses of cases in sexual violence like if they
don’t act on FIR’s , he can be punished by law this is the concern of
enforcement agency. As far of rehabilitation is concerned, we need to have
strong social support system.
Then she gave the example of Lilu vs State of Harayana, where uncle was
the perpetrator and the FIR was lodged after 3 years, thereafter 2 finger
tests was banned.

In 2016 Sikhi judgement where Uncle raped a minor and the report was
recorded after 3 years. If the perpetrator is the close one, the survival for
the victim becomes difficult and there situations where the family chooses
their own survival which reflects the insensitivity which is as much as part
of us.

The speaker urged everyone to raise their voice against any form of
exploitation.

Questions Raised:

Q. Is there any scope for civil society organizations to play an important

role in addressing such issues?

Ans: The Supreme Court of India has recognized the role of civil society
organization and has also passed its order for involvement of NGOs in such
issues.

Q. What should be done where a victim of sexual assault is forced to marry

her perpetrator?

Ans: Supreme Court has quoted in one of its order that it is inhumane to
force a woman to marry her rapist.
Session II:

Parallel Workshops to prepare for the final student Presentations

Theater and Social Media - Raymond O. Caldwell and Shobha –
Breakthrough.

Raymond O. Caldwell – Theater

He started the session with the thumbs game, which mainly focused on the
concentration level of the individual. Followed by the other game i.e. eye
to eye contact. If there would be an eye contact between two people then
they are out. It continues till the last one is left.

The participants were asked to remain in the circle and introduce

themselves by just telling their name. The session comprised more of
games. The other game were that in circle, one has to point out to other
persons until that person tell yes, you should not be moving from your
place. This game sounded easy but was bit confusing which mainly focused
on the patience level to listen to someone and wait from their permission.
It tries to convey that if the rules are followed then the goal is
accomplished.

The other game was to create the sound of happiness and the sadness.
Thereafter the participants were divided into groups and were given the
task to perform. in which different group theater acts were performed. After
a lot of practice, the topics for the presentation were given. The topics were
as follows: Casual Sexism, How to be a better man, He can – she can’t and
Highlighting restricting behaviors of parents.

Shobha SV/ Senior Manager Digital Engagement, Breakthrough

She started the session on how the campaigns are developed. To develop
a campaign, there needs to be a clear ask or the concept followed by the
on ground activities and the Online activities.

Campaign topic and the content should be very clear and understandable.

Online activities include creating a page in face book, twitter, voice record,
video record, instagram. In online activities, some people may not seem to
be actively participating if he/she doesn’t want to come online but might
be following the post and the updates. It is all about building rnetwork.

Offline activities – It includes events in the colleges which can be discussion

on some issue, use of chart papers to support the issue and all the activities
done on ground can be uploaded in the social media later.

There after she shared the videos which shows how certain issues are
addressed. One of it was "We do not need no segregation" . This is
regarding a college in Harayana where exists the different classes for girls
and boys and the separate dining space, study room etc. The video reflects
the reality which is not common in many parts of India.
Thereafter few girls shared the harassment faced by them in the day to day
life. It's not only about girls, the boys are also not safe. Everyone will have
a story to tell in this topic.

Final students presentations - Theater and digital media

presentations by students.
For the final presentations for both theater and digital, four topics were give
namely

1. Feminist Lyrics

2. Play Holi Consent Wali

3. TalknotStalk

4. This is not love.

As already shared in the first day Movement based therapy allows or

provides you the space to think about self i.e. the therapy gives some
message and at last ask the question. In regard to movement therapy
feminist Lyrics was danced by the participants.

Tabloo group therapy is the one that tells story with frozen pieces. It always
conveys a message on the issue. Regarding, this, the topic Play Holi
Consent Wali was enacted.

Lastly forum based therapy reflects on how community change and the
different solutions required to solve the problem. It gives audience to see
the problem and find solutions for the problem. For this, a scene was acted
where the groom’s family comes to see the bride’s family. The scene was
enacted allowing the audience to find out the problem.

Final presentations using social media.

The topic for the presentation using social media was the same as of above.
Each topic had the rationale, Online and Onground planned. The online
plan for all the four groups were similar but the offline plan differed from
group to group. Groups used videos, shared the personal experiences etc
to make it more presentable and effective. The groups also came up with
various facebook pages to carry on their theme and spread the word of
gender equality in their respective campuses. The various group used the
Bollywood lyrics and typical movies as their theme which deoicts gender
based violence while explaining their themes. All of them had the different
future plans such as to conduct events in the colleges, aware people
regarding the issues etc.

Conclusion:

The two day Workshop came out to be a very eye opening one for the
students especially, the energised sessions of Raymond Cadwell, social
Media session by Shobha V Iyer or the existence of violence in relationship
by Indrajit Singha, the discussion on Legal Aspects as well as North Eastern
perspective on gender based violence and the bringing change by Talk too
helped in developing insights among the students.
SKYPE CALL WITH UNIVERSITYOF TEXAS , AUSTIN
STUDENTS - PRESENTATIONS
 ATTENDANCE KOLKATA

SL Name Organisation Contact No. E-mail

1 Ridhipratim United world 9831979982 ridhipratim1985@g

Dutta school of mail.com
business

2 Prama Roy Amity 9734788779 paramaroy.bwn@g

University mail.com

3 Rupsa Maitra Basanti Devi 9051660675 irupsa10@gmail.co

College m

4 Shreya Babuli Maharajs 8017551467 shreyaBabuli@gmail

Srishandra .com
College
5 Payal Karmakar Maharajs 7686840508 payal20014@gmail.
Srishandra com
College
6 Akshita Jha WBNUJS 8337097663 aksjha@gmail.com

7 Amrila Ghosh WBNUJS 8017137565 ghoshanvita@gmail.

com

8 Priya Garg WBNUJS 9278984232 priyagarg.gargpriya

@gmail.com

9 Sanjukta Sarkar Shri 8013922746 meghabubblegum@

Shikshayatan gmail.com
College

10 Rituparna Poria Gearge 9038459790 poria-

Edeare rituparna@gamil.
Com
11 Shivangi PardeyWomen's 8981463165 pardeyshivangi121
Christian @gmail.com
College
12 Shreshtha Women's 8372085079 shresthasarbandhya
Sarbandhyaksha Christian ksha@gmail.com
College

13 Diya Women's 8276842011 diyawinx@gmail.co

Bhattacharyya Christian m
College
14 Sumit Basak Shymaprasad 7003742327 sumitdasak@gmail.
College com
15 Johnson Shymaprasad 9051469242 johnson.chakrabrty
Chakrabrty College @gmail.com
16 Madhav Raj WBNUJS 7050452005 madhavraj27@gmai
l.com
17 Shaheen Fatima Muslim 8981307013 fatimashaheen09@
Institute gmail.com
18 Atreyee Mallick St. Paul's C.M 8017546292 mallickatreyee98@g
College mail.com
19 Chhavi Arora Lady Shri 9599247858 chhaviarora2296@g
Ram College mail.com
for Women
20 K. Vaishnavi Lady Shri 9953799500 vaishnavik896@gm
Ram College ail.com
for Women
21 Hrishikesh Deptt. Of 8800290321 hrish83@gmail.com
Social work
University of
Delhi
22 Ayush Patel Deptt. Of 8090292669 ayushpatel17@gmai
Social work l.com
University of
Delhi
23 Anushua St. Xavier's 9733599922 anushna.art@gmail.
Banerjee College com
24 Bipasha Mistry Jadaupur 8582811099 bipashamistry.socio
University @gmail.com
25 Abhishek Roy Jadaupur 9735155251 abhishekjuhistory@
Chowdhary University gmail.com
26 Raghav Scottish 8961462089 raghavchandak80@
Chandak Church gmail.com
College
27 Sohini Roy Shri 8981161347 sohini49@gmail.co
Shikshayatan m
College
28 Ritika Das Shri 8017934136 ritikadas616@gmail
Shikshayatan .com
College
29 Adita Pal St. Joseph's 8013950503 adityapalchawdhury
Chowdhury College -
cricket@yahoo.com
30 Shradha Gupta United world 8017069092 shradhagupta705@
school of gmail.com
business
31 Sarajit Gupta Jadaupur 8697812327 sarajit.kol@gmail.co
University m
32 Avushak Jadaupur 9007592004 avishakchauda5@g
Chauda University mail.com
33 Aniket Amity 9614016944 chatterjeeaniket007
Chatterjee University @gmail.com
34 Ashapurna WBNUJS 7409457122 ashapurnabadoloi92
Badoloi @gmail.com
35 Namrata WBNUJS 9406989644 namratachaubey92
Chaubey @gmail.com
36 Husne Ara MANNU 9830370856 husneara.begum09
Begum @gmail.com
37 Vinita Dudheria Shri 9007283263 vinitadudheria96@g
Shikshayatan mail.com
College
38 Suryadeep Jana St. Joseph's 9674066679 janasuryadeep@gm
College ail.com
39 Zaid Abedin St. Joseph's 9883428865
College
40 Sounak Dey Scottish 88981210847 sounak.dey898@g
Church mail.com
College
41 Ushoshi Basanti Devi 9874168696 rayabhowmick@gm
Bhowmik College ail.com
42 Protyasha Das Basanti Devi 7059171339 protyashadasgupta1
Gupta College 999@gmail.com
43 Sagar Roy Shymaprasad 9932253170 singervicroy101@g
College mailcom
44 Mahwish Nigar MANNU 7059472029 mywishnigar@gmail
.com
45 Reshma MANNU 8820646179 aaliyakhan627@gm
Khatoon ail.com
46 Reya Sur UWSB 8981178876 reyas2303@gmail.c
om
47 Sushmita St. Paul's C.M 7059860461 susmi3105@gmail.c
Mallick College om
48 Debjeet St. Paul's C.M 9836589110 debjeet.mukherjee.
Mukherjee College 1997@gmail.com
49 Jayeeta Amity 9830057171 chatterjee.jaye@gm
Chatterjee University ail.com
50 Nidhi Jumrani Shymaprasad 9748678970 nidhi.jumrani0804@
College gmail.com
51 Meenal Chaubey NUJS 9617006229 meenal-
chaubey2292@gmai
l.com
52 Anisham St.xavier's 8100110189 ani97banerjee@ga
Banerjee College mil.com
53 Rishi Raaj Das St.xavier's 8100339059 rishiraaj96@gmail.c
College om
54 Scottish 9002139730 utkarshbedkar02@g
Utkarsh Church mail.com
Bedekar College
55 Pooja Bhaumik Scottish 8900012703 bhaumikpooja@gm
Church ail.com
College
56 Elizabeth Any Army 9674441565 anneliza235@gmail.
Paul Institute of com
management,
Kolkata
57 Divya Singh Army 8419803817 divyasingh745@gm
Institute of ail.com
management,
Kolkata
58 Hiren kumar Army 9429776509 hbhuvaz@gmail.co
Bhuva Institute of m
management,
Kolkata
59 Shifa Jahan Scottish 8698581146 shefa.mj@gmail.co
Church m
College
60 Bijit Padder Shymaprasad 9433049747 bijit.jb@gmail.com
College
61 Olivia Mondal Calcutta 9748960532
University
62 Shahzeb Zafar Amity 8820486316 shahzabzafar@gmai
University l.com
63 T.C. Shinali Loreta College 8013946641 shinalinair@gmail.c
om