10 December - State Level Final Programme

Approximately 600 persons from 41 districts representing 300 organizations assembled in Lucknow on the occasion of Human Rights Day to reiterate that
Freedom from Domestic Violence is a basic Human Right

Hundreds of participants, representing NGOs, government, volunteers and the public from 41 districts of U.P., assembled at the Ambedkar Mahasabha to share their experiences organizing the 16 days of campaign events from 25 November to 10 December, 2007.

The salient point that was common in each campaign partner NGO’s presentation was the glaring lack of awareness about the DV Act, not only amongst the common people but even amongst responsible officers, teachers, police department officials, health department workers and surprisingly, even amongst some members of the judiciary.

As the final action of the campaign, a demand letter was unanimously adopted that underlined the need for adequate budget to support proper publicity and implementation of the Act. The resolution also emphasized the need for provision of proper training and facilities for the Protection Officers.

The 16 says of action employed various mediums-dialogues, meetings, films, plays, wall writing, marches and posters-to raise awareness about the DV Act, and so too did the concluding event. Two cultural troupes – IPTA, Lucknow, Shri Ramanand Saraswati Pustakalaya ‘s Azamgarh, – presented two thought- provoking street plays. An informative exhibition displaying images of the campaign through photographs, posters, slogans and wall writing was also set up at the venue.

The grand finale of the programme was an equally picturesque one. Hundreds of balloons were floated in the open air by the participant delegates symbolizing the spread of awareness, while the beats of the Nagara rent the air. AB TO JAAGO!!!

KEY PRESENTATIONS

“Very soon every district in Uttar Pradesh will have full time Protection Officers and adequate financial resources for the effective implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005,” assured the Director, of the Department of Women and Child Development, Mr. Yagyavir Singh Chauhan, at a grand function to mark International Human Rights Day.

Speaking at the concluding event of the 16 day long Ab to Jaago Campaign, which raised awareness about the D. V. Act, Mr. Chauhan also remarked that when speaking of this law it is important to to clarify that it’s purpose is not to punish men, but to free households from domestic violence.

Mr. Chauhan also assured the hundreds of participants that his department has already sent recommendations to appoint full time District Protection Officers (DPOs) and has allocated adequate budgets in each of the state’s 70 districts for the effective implementation of the Act.

Special invitee of the function, Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, Mr. R. K. Mittal remarked that “Social change is a sensitive issue, bringing a law is not enough. Such social change requires education, social reawakening and also taking stock of existing cultural norms and values. There is a need for a holistic change.”

Mr. Mittal was encouraged by the participation of men and youth in the campaign and hoped that more NGOs would join this agenda of change, which is not possible by the efforts of the government alone. “As awareness increases the law will become more effective,” he observed.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Information, Ms. Madhu Tambe, Information Officer, described her department’s efforts to raise awareness regarding the Act by releasing information thorough press notes in the news papers and brief advertisements on the radio.

According to Ms. Madhu, in various districts of Uttar Pradesh her department has put up hoardings to publice the D.V. Act. However, when participants pointed out that the names of concerned DPOs and Protection Officers should be publicized on such hoardings, she shrugged responsibility and claimed that this was not her department’s job.

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Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (DV Act) 2005

The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 is a historic step for India. The passage of the Act marks the first time that Parliament recognized violence against women and girls as a widespread problem that takes place not only in married couple's homes but also in women's childhood homes. For complete information about the background, clauses and social implications of the DV Act, click the "DV Act 2005" link on the bottom of the pink menu "District Programmes and Campaign Notes."

For more resources on domestic violence issues, also see the yellow side-bar menus with links to news articles and other websites.

Lucknow

Campaign Contact: Ravi, 9415762609; Mamta, 9450642546; Shakeela, 9452016503
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Gulzar Ibrahim, Dy C.P.O.

27 Nov. to 7 Dec.

Games and Interactive Activities, Performances, Stickers and Posters!

Stall #C-217 @ Lucknow Mahotsav

UPDATES
9 December
21 lawyers attended a meeting at Arif Castles to discuss the legal issues surrounding proper implementation of the DV Act. The chief guests included the retired Judge of Family Court Tripathy, Ankita Shukla of Civil Court Junior Division and Jasveen, an activist. The discussion focused on the key roles of advocates and other legal experts in ensuring proper usage, not misusage, of the DV Act. Mr.Tripathy emphasized the progressive nature of the DV Act, as it defines Domestic Violence, "not only in the Marital Home but also within the Maiden Home of a woman." Other participantsdiscussed the limitations in the infrastructure intended to implement the act: often those individuals appointed to the roleof Protection Officer (PO) are already overburdened with work at their current post. There is a need for more POs in all districts of U.P. Ms. Shukla also cleared up the frequent myths and wrong notions surrounding the DV Act.

8 December
“A doctor’s office is one of the safest places where a woman once in a life time comes; hence it’s our duty to identify the problems that women face and give them the essential treatment they need” said Dr. Abhijit Das, Director of the Centre for Health and Social Justice, New Delhi and Clinical Assistant Professor of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA, at a Doctors’ Dialogue that was held today in Lucknow as part of the Ab To Jaago Campaign. Dr. Manju Aggarwal, Director of the Amity Institute of Behavioural and Applied Sciences, Amity University Lucknow, also attended the programme as the Chief Guest and spoke about domestic violence as a key health problem. The dialogue was attended by doctors and medical students from different parts of Lucknow.

7 December
50 women attended a dialogue on the DV Act and received campaign materials in the Gosaingang area of Lucknow.

5 December At a Theater Festival organized in the AP Sen Degree College in Lucknow, girls from different Colleges performed plays on violence against women. One of the plays performed, called Gautan, shared the stories of 5 different families belonging to different socio-economic groups. Although the families were from different classes of society, they all faced a common problem - the women of all 5 families were suffering from domestic violence. IPTA also performed a play based on the novel ‘Panch Parmeshwar’ by Munshi Premchandra. The play dealt with the many atrocities committed against women. A final part of this event was an exhibition where material on domestic violence was put on display.

3 December
A seminar on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was given by Jashodhara Dasgupta and Arundhati Dhuru to more than 100 participants-both students & teachers-of the Department of Mass Comm., LU. It was followed by a question and answer session that allowed the participants to clear up any myths that they had heard about the Act.

1 December
Ab To Jaago Campaign events took place in 3 locations across Lucknow. At the KKC Petrol Pump volunteers distributed material & information on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. At in the Mahila Degree College, a lecture on the DV Act 2005 was followed by a discussion among student participants. Finally, Guru Nanak Degree College held a film show in which two documentaries focused on survivors of Domestic Violence were shown: Bol & Nasreen O Nasreen. After the film show a small discussion took place where many students actively shared their views.

30 November
At the Lucknow Zoo, youth carried posters and Domestic Violence informational materials to reach the zoo-going crowd. In the Department of Women’s Studies, LU, a Poster Competition was held in which male and female students from various departments participated.

29 November
DV Act 2005 was discussed at a dialogue held today with the teaching staff of Lucknow Model School. Teachers were informed about the Act and allowed an opportunity to discuss. While initially there was some disagreement among the teachers about the merits of the DV Act, the teachers ended the dialogue in support of the Act and of the campaign.

28 November
Youth volunteers participated in a Road Show on the street outside of Sahara Ganj Mall in order to grab the attention of shoppers and promote the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. The volunteers carried banners and posters, handed out pamphlets, and initiated conversations on the issue with passersby.

27 November
In Naubasta & Khadri, a dialogue on domestic violence was organized, and at the Makkari ma Mela in Daliganj, pamphlets were distributed and discussions on domestic violence were held.

25 November
The International Day of Action Against Violence Against Women was celebrated through cultural expressions in Lucknow as part of the Campaign Ab To Jaago. Approximately 250 people from all parts of Lucknow came together for a reading of feminist poetry and a performance of the powerful play AURAT at Rai Umanat Bali Hall. Powerful and moving poems about women, gender discrimination and violence were recited by reknowned poets of Lucknow including Dr. Ranu Unyal, Neelam Singh, Alka Pandey, Manoj Pandey, Rooprekha Verma and Ugra Nath Nagrik. The play AURAT directed by Veda Rakesh used movement, music, humor and drama in order to evoke the fear, stress, shame and embarrassment casued by sexual harrasment and violence against women. Through these artistic mediums, the event highlighted the important social and emotional implications of violence. The programme was anchored by Shakila Begum who gave an overview on the objectives and upcoming actions of the 16 day campaign, and retierated that although the DV Act has been passed by government,community support and proper implementation of the Act is crucial to protecting women's lives.

24 November
The talk show on FM Rainbow - All India Radio had Risha Sayeed, a feminist lawyer, highlight the aspects of the law for listeners, and several people phoned in with questions. She explained that it was not a criminal law and using it did not mean that male family members were being sent to prison by women of the household. She explained that it was meant to deter male family members in the natal as well as marital home from committing any act of emotional, physical, sexual or other forms of violence against any girls or women of the family, or even any minor male member. The magistrate’s order was a restraining order, but police action was a possibility if the order was not obeyed.Some women and men who phoned in asked questions regarding their own problems. A young woman narrated how she was in love with a man from a different caste and was facing a lot of family pressure to discontinue the relationship. Another young woman who had been married earlier this year was weeping as she narrated how her marital family was harassing her for dowry and how she felt they might actually kill her. A young man asked how he could get more help for his sister whose marriage resulted in so much violence that she needed treatment for severe mental trauma. Risha also got questions asking about local organizations that could provide help and she mentioned HUMSAFAR the Support Centre for Women in Lucknow. The talk show ended with a reference to the UP Campaign Ab To Jaago.

23 November
The Press Conference on 23 November at the UP Press Club was attended by reporters from almost all major newspapers, who were addressed by a panel of speakers. This included Dr. Roop Rekha Verma of Saajhi Duniya, who launched the Campaign Poster and spoke of why this Act came into being. She was followed by Niti Saxena of AALI who explained some little known aspects of the Act. Rashmi Sinha of Mahila Samakhya highlighted what her organization was doing to spread awareness of the Domestic Violence Act and Ravi Jeena informed the media of the large scale campaigning in 41 districts that would create a public momentum during the 16 Days of Activism until 10 December.

Programme

23 Nov. Press Conference 2:30-4:30 pm Press Club
24 Nov. Live Talk Programme 10:00-11:00 am FM Rainbow
24 Nov. Announcement on F.M Rainbow 8:30 am
25 Nov. Drama by IPTA 3:00-6:00 pm Rai Umanath Bali Auditorium
25 Nov. Announcement on F.M Rainbow 8:30 am
26 Nov. Community Meeting 10:00 am-5:00 pm Mahmudpur, Gosaiganj
27 Nov. Pamphlet Distribution at Mela 5:00-6:00 pm Daliganj Bridge
28 Nov. Road Show 3:00-5:00 pm Sahara Ganj
29 Nov. Dialogue with the Teaching Staff of Lucknow Model School
Lucknow Model School, Indranagar
30 Nov. College Programme Lucknow University
30 Nov. Road Show where approximately 200 youth will participate. 12:00-2:00 pm NBRI, Lko
30 Nov. Community Meeting 11:00 am- …. Banthara, Purahi khera, Lko
1 Dec. Film Show AP Sen Degree College, Lalkuwan, Lko
2 Dec. There will be a Discussion on Domestic Violence in the slums of Lucknow
3 Dec. Seminar in Lucknow University 11:00 am- …. Dept. of Mass Communication department L.U.
4 Dec. Community Meeting 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sitaram Purva, Lko
5 Dec. & 6 Dec. Theater Festival AP Sen Degree College, LkoTheater Festival APSen Degree College, Lko
7 Dec. Community Meeting 10:00 am-5:00 pm Virampur, Lko
8 Dec. Discourse with Doctors (To be finalized)
9 Dec. Discourse with Bar Association Arif Castle
10 Dec Rally & Cultural Programme.
There will be Cultural Programme by IPTA & the Cultural team of Azamgharh.
Girja Vyas, Chairerson of the NationalCommission for Women to attend.
10 Dec Announcement on F.M Rainbow 8:30 am

Jalaun

UPDATES
December 8
Gram Pradehan attended the Ab to Jaago community meeting as the Chief Guest.

7 December
A meeting was organized at an Inter College.

6 December
A meeting on the Prevention of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was held in a school.

5 December
A communtiy meeting and candlemarch were held.

4 December
Local NGO partners attended a community dialogue, and over 150 people attended meetings held in 3 colleges.

29 November
The children of Jalon were educated about the DV Act during a meeting organized in a school.

27 November
Wall painting was carried out by at least 100 participants.

Maharaj Ganj

Campaign contact person: Jitendra Pratap Singh, 9451508847

D.V. Act Protection Officer: S.N. Singh, D.P.O.

UPDATES
5 December
At an Inter College a discussion was held on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and material on the Act was distributed.

2 December
Meetings were organized in schools where Ab to Jaago campaign material was distributed.

Barelli

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Deepak Shukla, P.O.
Domestic Violence Service Providers: Dipjan Kalyan Samiti

Sitapur

Campaign contact person: Safiya, 9415329791 (Mahila Samakhya)

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Dr. Prabhakar Dubey, D.P.O.

Bahraich

Campaign contact person: Rajbul Nish, 9415324924 (Mahila Samakhya)

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Mukul Maiti, D.P.O.

UPDATES

7 December
In Bahraich, rallies are being organized on a regular basis up until the 10th December.

6 December
In two locations of Bahraich, campaign partners held a rally, a meeting, and a wall painting event.

Balrampur

Campaign Contact person: Bina Rana, 9415202004

UPDATES

29 November
A Signature Campaign wa launched in Balrampur, and the Principal of Nagar Palika attended as the chief guest.

Shravasti

Campaign Contact Person:Safiya, 9936169764 (Mahila Samakhya)

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Mukul Maiti, D.P.O.

Auraiya

Campaign contact person: Saroj, 9412284357 (Mahila Samakhya)

Muzaffar Nagar

Campaign contact persons: Ranjana Khare 9412214822, Rerhana Adib - 9319097983 or 9412132031

UPDATES

6 December
Campaign partners continued to distribute materials raise people’s awareness about the DV Act.

5 December
A Road Show was held, material was distributed and stickers and posters were placed on the walls.

4 December
A Signature Campaign continues to gain support for the Act.

2 December
Campaign participants took part in a wall writing activity to raise people’s awareness about domestic violence and DV Act 2005.

1 December
A Press Conference was organized in Muzzafarnagar which was attended by most of the local media.

29 November
The poster of the Campaign was launched by the SSP of the area.

27 November
A district-level dialogue was held and was attended by many youth, as well as the probation officer.

Mathura

Campaign Contact: Smriti, 9412727548 or Babita, 9897228113 (Mahila Samakhya)
Domestic Violence Service Providers: Gild of Service & All India Women’s Foundation

Barabanki

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Ram Naresh Verma, D.P.O.

Saharanpur

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. G.B. Gaur, D.P.O.


UPDATES

8 December
Gram Pradehan attended the community meeting on Ab to Jaago as the Chief Guest.

7 December
Campaign staff distributed materials to raise people's awareness about domestic violence.

6 December
Campaign partners continued to distribute materials raise people’s awareness of the DV Act.

5 December
Local Campaign Partners are continuing a Signature Campaing in the villages.

30 November
In Saharanpur, material was distributed on the Ab to Jaago campaign.

Buland Shahar

Campaign contact: Ranjana Khare, 9412214822 (Mahila Smakhya) or Satya Vir Singh, 9412744493

D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Prabhakar Dewedi, D.P.O.

UPDATES
1 December
Approximately 50 people were in attendance at the community meeting today.

Orai

Campaign Contact person: Jag Pal Singh, phone 991933410

Programme:
23 Nov: Press Conference
24 Nov: Signature Campaign
25 Nov: Community Meeting
26-29 Nov: Signature Campaign & Case Documentation
30 Nov: Program in College
1-4 Dec: Signature Campaign & Case Documentation
5 Dec: Material distribution & Discourse in the Police Station
6 Dec: Signature Campaign & Case Documentation
7 Dec: Signature Campaign & Case Documentation
8 Dec: District Level Dialogue
9 Dec: Signature Campaign & Case Documentation

UPDATES

27 November
A wall painting activity was attended by at least 100 people.

26 November
A dialogue on the DV Act was held in one of the public schools. Organizaers were pleased that not only children attended, but also the wider community, including adult men, government personnel, and gram pradham. Participants also joined a rally under the Aab To Jago banner.

Hamirpur

Campaign contact person - Dr. S. K. Chakraverti, phone 9935193469
Domestic violence Service providers: Rahul Mahila Kalyan Evam & Gramudyog Seva Sansthan

Programme:
25 Nov: District level dialogue
26 Nov: Press Conference
27 Nov: Wall Painting
28 Nov: Material Distribution
29 Nov: Signature Campaign and Case Documentation
30 Nov: Signature campaign and case documentation
1-3 Dec: Competition & Seminar
4 Dec: Signature Campaign &Case Documentation
5 Dec: Candle March
6 & 7 Dec: Rally
8 & 9 Dec: Signature Campaign &Case Documentation

UPDATES
8 December
Community Meetings were held in villages and were well-attended.

7 December
In Hamirpur, Community Meetings were held in 6 villages.

6 December

A Candle March was attended by 45 people and was covered by the local print media.

5 December
Cases on Domestic Violence were documented and submitted to the Protection Officer.

4 December
Over 150 people attended meetings held in 3 colleges to discuss the DV Act.

3 December
35 people attended a community meeting, including the director of an NGO.

2 December

Two colleges held dialogues on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 that were each attended by more than 300 students.

1 December
In Hamirpur cases of Domestic Violence were documented by officials and required action was taken.

30 November
A Signature Campaign was organized in Hamirpur, where 3 women came forward to share with the group their personal experiences facing Domestic Violence.

29 November
Cases of domestic violence were reviewed in the police station where people also distributed material on the DV Act.

28 November
A discussion was held to inform people about the DV Act 2005 and materials were distributed. Wall painting also continued for a second day.

Sant Kabir Nagar

Campaign Contact person - Pravindra Rai, phone 9936585839
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. A.N. Agnihotri, D.P.O.

Programme:
26 Nov: Programme in School
28 Nov: Candle March
29 Nov: Rally

UPDATES

7 December
A NuKkar Natak was performed to inform people about domestic violence.

6 December
A Community Meeting was held.

29 November
Students held a rally in support of DV Act 2005.

28 November
A community meeting was held that was attended by 115 people.

Lalit Pur

Contact person - Rajesh Sahu, phone 9936341877

Programme:
25 Nov: District Level Dialogue & Press Conference
27 Nov: Nukkar Natak
1 Dec: Seminar & Poster Exhibition
8 Dec: Seminar ,rally ,poster Exhibition

UPDATES

2 December
Campaign partners organized a poster competition, a meeting in a school, and a Nukkar Natak.

28 November
A rally was organized where held that was attended by 250 children. A member of the Panchayat attended as the chief guest. The event received local media coverage.

26 November
A district level press conference was attended by almost all local electronic and print media, as well as the probation officer, advocates, college principles and local NGOs.

Banda

Campaign Contact person - Santosh, phone 9956999042
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Gopal Singh Chauhan, D.P.O.

Programme:
25 Nov: Press Conference & Candle March
27 Nov: Candle March
28 Nov: Rally
30 Nov - 5 Dec: Meeting in the Community &Wall Writing
6 Dec: Rally & Candle March
7 Dec: Meeting in the Community & Wall Writing
8 Dec: Meeting in the Community & Wall Writing & Kala Jatha District level Meeting
9 Dec: Meeting in the Community & Wall Writing

UPDATES
5 December
The CMO of Banda attended an Ab to Jaago meeting attended by people from 22 villages.

4 December
Seminars in two colleges were each attended by approximately 200 students.

3 December
Community Meetings were held and material on the Ab to Jaago Campaign was distributed.

1 December
Gram Pradhan was the Chief Guest at a community meeting today.

29 November
A community meeting was done where posters were displayed and slogans were written on walls.

28 November
A candle march was held on the streets, and a Nukkar Natak received local media coverage.

27 November
A rally was held at which posters and stickers were distributed and posted on walls.

26 November
A group of 80 people participated in a candle march organized by UPVAN. In addition, a district level press confernece was widely attended by representatives from the electronic and print media.

Chitra Koot

Campaign Contact persons: Ranjana Tiwari, phone 9415144183 & Urmila, phone 9450222821
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Gopal Singh Chauhan, D.P.O.

Programme:
1 Dec: Competition among the Youth
4-8 Dec: Community Meeting

UPDATES

6 December
Community Meetings were organized in 3 villages where material was distributed.

Fateh Pur

Campaign Contact person - Anil Bhadoriya, phone 9450586116
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Om Prakash Yadav, P.O.
Domestic Violence Service Provider: Bal Evam Mahila Kalyan Samiti

Programme:
24 Nov: Poster Exibition & Press Confrence
25 Nov: Candle March
1 Dec: Rally & Road Show
9 Dec: Seminar in School

UPDATES

2 December
Community members and officials, including the CMO, attended a community meeting.

26 November
A press conference was held in Fateh Pur that was attended by 33 media representatives and 20 people from local NGOs.

Kaushambi

Contact person - Vikram Singh, phone 9839513128

Programme:
26 Nov: Film Show & Discussion
9 Dec: Film Show & Discussion

UPDATES

27 November
A district-level dialogue was held at which a school principal attended as the chief guest.

Allahabad

Campaign Contact- Manoj Tripathi, phone 9450854709 & Meenakshi, phone 9415348987
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Ila Pant, Dy C.P.O.
Domestic Violence Service Providers: Khadivikas Ashram & Krishi Evam Gramudyog vikas Sansthan

Programme:
23 Nov: Community Meeting
24 Nov: Candle March
28 Nov: Press Confrence& Candle March
6 Dec: Peace Rally by Men
7 Dec: District Level Dialogue & Kala Jatha

UPDATES
8 December
In two locations of Allahabad, approximately 100 people attended programmes organized by the Kala Jhatha team.

7 December
The Black Day for the Feminist was observed, and it was highlighted that atrocities against women happen everyday all over the world, hence such observances should take place daily.

28 November
A community meeting was held and 25 people participated.

Pratap Gharh

Contact person - Ram Prakash, phone 9838640074 & Shagufta, phone 9451657529

Programme:
25 Nov: Candle March
29 Nov - 1 Dec: Community Meeting & Discourse in Police Station
2 Dec: Kala Jatha
8 Dec: Press Conference
9 Dec: Candle March

UPDATES

8 December
In Pratapgarh, teachers and students organized meetings in several villages.

7 December
In Pratapgarh, Campaign Partners went from house to house to discuss the DV Act.

4 December
The campaign partners of Pratabgarh went house to house in 20 villages to distribute material on Ab To Jaago Campaign.

3 December
The people of Pratapgharh attended a Cultural Programme that was organized by the Campaign Partners of the area. The event was attended by the local NGO Partners and others.

2 December
Teachers and students participated in a college programme on the DV Act 2005. A community meeting was also held.

1 December
Houses on 11 blocks volunteered to distribute materials to the community about the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

29 November
Community meeting was held where the principle guest was the Gram Pradhan, and community members participated in wall writing activities.

28 November
A candle march was held and the Secretary of the Jila Saksharta Samiti attended as the chief guest.

27 November
A discussion on domestic violence was attended by 50 people.

26 November
In 8 different locations in Pratap Gargh, wall painting was done by 8 local NGOs. These NGOs have also initiated a signature campaign in support of the Ab To Jaago Campaign.

Basti

Contact person - Jay Prakash. phone 9450379883

Domestic Violence Service Provider: Shikha Mahila Samiti

Programme
26 Nov: Seminar
28 Nov: Community Level Meeting

UPDATES
30 November
A community meeting was held.

29 November
A community dialogue was held and materials were distributed.

28 November
A community meeting was attended by 20 people and received media coverage.

27 November
A discussion on domestic violence was attended by 150 people.

Gorakhpur

Campaign Contact persons - Mahish, 9838693588 & Rajbul Nisha, 9415324924 & Avdhesh, 9889088856 D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. A.K. Singh, Dy C.P.O. Domestic Violence Service Providers: Favim Mahila Prashikshar Sansthan & Purvanchan Nagar Evam Gram Vikas Sansthan Programme: 25 Nov: Poster Exhibition 27 Nov: Candle March and Mashal Procession 29 Nov: Signature Campaign 30 Nov: Candle March & Meeting in the Community & Kala Jatha 6 Dec: District level dialogue 9 Dec: Rally by men stuck on trains and walls to increase awareness of DV Act 2005. UPDATES

7 December
A District Dialogue was hed that was attended by Social Activists, and a Talk Show on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, 2005 was covered by Electronic Media.

5 December A meeting was organized with Doctors & a Nukkar Natak was done. 2 December The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was discussed during a parent teacher meeting, and relevant information and material was given out. 1 December About 150 people viewed a Play on Domestic Violence. 30 November To show support for the DV Act, 500 people attended a Signature Campaign. 29 November A community dialogue was held and materials were distributed. 28 November A candle march was held and posters and stickers were stuck on walls to raise awareness of the DV Act 2005. 23 November A Press Conference was attended by 36 media representatives and a poster was released to the public at the event. A meeting was held to distribute materal material and to discuss the planned December 8 “Men’s Rally.”

Kushinagar

Contact person - Anil K. Singh, phone 9450232721

Programme:
29 Nov: District level Dialouge & Kala Jatha
30 Nov: Candle march
1 Dec: Rath Yatra
6 Dec: Seminar & Signature Campaign

UPDATES

7 December
In Kushinagar, the local Campaign Partners visited the Police Thana daily to follow up on reported DV Cases.

2 December
After a seminar in the college, students and intellectuals participated in a candle march that received coverage from both electronic and print media.

1 December
Student meetings were conducted in 3 schools.

29 November
A nukkar natak was organized in Kushinagar.

Deoria

Contact person - Anil Rai, phone: 9450167388
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Ram Vilas Singh Yadav, D.P.O.

Programme:
22 Nov: Press Conference, Poster Exhibition
25 Nov: Community Meeting
28 Nov: District Level Dailogue
29 Nov: Collage Programme
30 Nov: Candle March
6 Dec: Discourse with Media

UPDATES

7 December
A discussion took place between the Media Counsel & the Rural Journalist Association. To conclude the dialogue, Media participants admitted to the fact that articles related to Women can at times be presented in a very negative light.

2 December
Teachers, students and principals from local colleges attended programmes at which material and information on the DV Act 2005 was distributed.

29 November
A play about domestic violence was performed which was attended by 1000 people, including the Chief Development Officer.

Jhansi

Campaign Contact person - Amit /Manish
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mrs. Praveena Mishra, Dy C.P.O.

Programme:
25 Nov: Candle March
26 Nov: Act Awareness & Discourse in Police Station, Signature Campaign
27 Nov: Act Awareness & Discourse in Police Station, Signature Campaign. Seminar.
28 Nov: Act Awareness & Discourse in Police Station, Signature Campaign and Community Meeting
29 Nov: Act Awareness & Discourse in Police Station, Signature Campaign
30 Nov: Press Confrence
1 Dec: District level Programme
2 Dec: Confrence
3 Dec: Meeting with the Community leaders & NGO Heads
4 Dec: Poster Exibition & Wall Writing
5 Dec: Poster Exibition
6 Dec: Signature Campaign & School Programme
7 Dec: Case Documentation
8 Dec: Rally & Exibition
9 Dec: Meeting in the Core Commitee

UPDATES

7 December
A Community Meeting was organized, which was attended by approximately 10 people.

6 December
A Mahila Team visited a village where they sang songs on VAW and launched a Signature Campaign. This village-level event was attended by people from 30 villages.

4 December
Local NGO partners attended a community dialogue.

29 November
School children participated in a essay competition about domestic violence.

28 November
A signature campaign was launched and wall painting continued for a second day.

27 November
A wall painting activity was attended by at least 100 people.

Sonbharda

Campaign Contact person - Sandhya, 09450162867
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Kanak Pandey, P.O.

Programme:
23 Nov: Press Conference
24 Nov -10 Dec: Signature Campaign

UPDATES
4 December
A community meeting was held.

29 November
A signature campaign was launched in support of DV Act 2005.

27 November
Posters and information about domestic violence were distributed.

23 November
A press conference was held with 20 media participants and local NGOs.

Mau

Campaign Contact - Satish Kumar, phone 9452135969 & Priyanka Rathore, phone 9450956138
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Yogendra Nath, P.O.
Domestic Violence Service Providers: Sriram Shabad Singh Smarak Evam Samaj Kalyan Samiti

Programme
23 Nov: Seminar at school
24 Nov: Seminar at school
25 Nov: Press Confrence
15-26 Nov: Stall in the Devlas Mela

UPDATES

2 December
45 people attended a seminar and a community meeting, and community members also took part in a wall painting activity to increase people’s understanding about DV Act 2005.

29 November
A candle march was held that drew support from local community members.

27 November
A district-level dialogue was held at which a school principal attended as the chief guest.

26 November
A rally was held and posters, pamphlets and stickers were distributed and posted on walls to raise people's awareness about domestic violence and DV Act 2005. The rally was covered by the media.

Baliya

Campaign Contact - Sachchida Nand, phone 9415623075
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. Sonelal, P.O.

Programme
25 Nov: Meeting with community
26 Nov: Community Meeting
27 Nov: Press Confrence,Dadri Fair where there will be a Stall of the Campaign’s Material 30 Nov: Meeting in the Community, poster distribution, candle march 6 Dec: Candle March, Signature Campaign and Seminar in School 7 Dec: Candle March & Signature Campaign
8 Dec: Candle March & Signature Campaign
9 Dec: Meeting with other Organisations,Signature Campaign

UPDATES

6 December
Campaign staff are trying to sensitize the public on domestic violence through material distribution.

28 November
A community discussion was held and was attended by a member of Panchayat.

25 November
400 people attended a community meeting to to receive information on the prevention of violence against women. Aab To Jago material, such as pamphlets, posters and stickers were distributed.

Mirzapur

Campaign Contact -Sandhya, phone 09450162867
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. S.K. Mishra, D.P.O.
Domestic Violence Service Providers: Swami Vivekanand & Bal Gyan Mandir

Programme:
24 Nov: Press Conference & Candle March
25 Nov: Candle March
5-8 Dec: Programme in Collage,Road Show,Signature Campaign

UPDATES
8 December
A crowd of 200 people attended a Nukkar Natak performed in Mirzapur

6 December
In Mirzapur, 60 people were present for a seminar on the DV Act

Chandauli

Contact -Surendra, phone 9415201587
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. A.K. Mishra, Dy, C.P.O

Programme:
23 Nov : Press Confrence
25 Nov: Cycle March and Candle March
26-29 Nov: Wall Writing, Signature Campaign, Material Distributions
30 Nov - 3 Dec: Foot March ,Material Distribution
4 & 5 Dec: Programme in school & Candle March
6 & 7 Dec: Seminar in School
8 Dec: Program in School 9 Dec: Wall painting ,Signature Campaign,Material Distribution

UPDATES
8 December
In Chandoli, over 500 students and teachers participated in a discussion about the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and collected signatures on dhoti in support of the Act.

5 December
A discussion was organized with approximately 300 people., where women came forward with their personal cases of Domestic Violence.

4 December
A school programme was attended by 700 girl students and 15 Teachers.

3 December
In two villages, Community Meetings were held where material on the Ab to Jaago Campaign was also distributed.

2 December
A community meeting was held at which the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was explained and discussed.

1 December
Approximately 50 people were in attendance at the community meeting, where the Gram Pradhan of the area participated as the Chief Guest.

30 November
A comminity meeting was held.

29 November
A community dialogue was held and materials were distributed.

28 November
People came together for a discussion on the DV Act 2005, and material was distributed. A signature campaign was also launched.

Varanasi

Campaign Contact - Dr. Sanjay Mo., phone09415301240 & Kiran Lata, phone 9415343766
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Mr. A.K. Mishra, Dy, C.P.O
DomesticViolence Service Providers: Manavseva Kendra & Samaj Kalyan Samiti

Programme:
Nov 23: Poster Exhibition, Pamphlet distribution
24 Nov: Press Confrence & Poster Exibition
25 Nov: College Programe
30 Nov: Nukkar Natak,Discussuin,distribution of Material
1 Dec: Rally wit NSS
3 Dec: School Programme
6 Dec: Programme in College & Material Dustribution
10 Dec: Rally

UPDATES




6 December
People took part in a seminar and a foot march that started from a local school.
1 December
Seminars on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 were held in several different villages.

30 November
Ab to Jaago supporters went out on a foot march to distribute material and do wall writing on their way to a Community Meeting.

29 November

A community dialogue and a rally were held, and materials were distributed.

28 November
Posters were stuck on walls to inform people about the DV Act 2005, and a group of volunteers held a meeting in a slum area to raise local residents' awareness about domestic violence.

25 November
A rally was organized and people from 25 villages of Varanasi attended, including the Gram Pradhan.

Ghazipur

Campaign Contact person- Shyam Narayan, phone 9415241637
Domestic Violence Service providers: Samaj Kalyan Rishi Pashu Palan, AvamTechnique, Shiksha Kendra

Programme:
27 Nov: District Level Dialogue
29 Nov: Cycle Rally, Community Meeting ,Wall Painting
30 Nov & 1 Dec: Community Meeting
2 Dec: Community Meeting & Programme in the College
3 Dec: Meeting in the Community, Rally, Candle March
4 Dec: Community Meeting
5 Dec: Community Meeting, Candle March, Nukkar Natak
6 Dec: Community Meeting & Rally
7 Dec: Community y Meeting, Cande March, Road Show
8 Dec: Community Meeting
9 Dec : Community Meeting Rally

UPDATES

8 December
In Gazipur, a discussion about the personal problems caused by violence against women was held, followed by a Candle March.

6 December
A Rally was held in Gazipur that was followed by a seminar and debate attended by 200 people.

4 December
A community meeting was held.

3 December
A Signature Campaign was initiated, and a Rally was held in which more that 150 people participated.

28 November
A candle march was held, as was a community dialogue. The Pradhan attended the dialogue as the chief guest.

27 November
A district level meeting was was attended by 105 people, as well as many representatives from the electronic and print media.

Bhadohi

Contact person - V.K. Rai
phone: 9415360040

Programme:
24 Nov: Candle March
27-29 Nov: College Programme
30 Nov: Press Conference
1-2 Dec: Rally & Community meeting
3 Dec: District Level Dialouge & Kala Jatha
4-7 Dec: Rally & Community Level Meeting

UPDATES


8 December
Community Meetings were held in villages and were well-attended.

6 December
A Community Meeting was organized by campaign partners who are members of the local chapter of Mahila Adhikar Swastha Manch.

4 December
A District Level Dialogue was held and was attended by the Upper Civil Judge as the Chief Guest

2 December
135 Aganbari workers attended a discussion on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

Jaunpur

Campaign Contact Persons - Subhash, phone 9839902457, Meenakshi Gupta, phone 9452512974
Domestic Violence Service providers: Chandra Shiksha Sansthan

Programme
22-27 Nov: Program by Mahila Samakhya
28-29 Nov: Meeting in the village & Wall Painting
30 Nov: Discourse in the School & Banner & Wall painting
1 Dec: Programme in the Schools
2 Dec: Press Confrence
3 Dec: Discourse & Poster Exhibition
4 Dec: Programme in the Schools
5 Dec: Programme in the Schools & WalL Painting
6-9 Dec Signature Campaign & Wall Painting

UPDATES
8 December
In Jaunpur, campaign partners organized a Wall Writing activity and also wrote slogans on banners that they placed around the district to raise people’s awareness about the DV Act 2005. Also, a multi-day wall-painting activity was continued.

5 December
Wall writing took place today.

4 December
A discussion on the Act was held during which participants came to an agreement that meetings like these are necessary to spread awareness.

3 December
A Community Meeting was organized along with a candle march.

1 December
Approximately 50 people were in attendance at today's community meeting.

29 November
A community dialogue was held and materials were distributed.

23 November
An informative seminar on the Act was held for 150 women participants from 8 villages. A rally with a banner was also held at the police station, where there was a discussion and material was distributed.

Ambedakar Nagar

Campaign Contact person - Rajit Ram, Phone: 05271-255031, 251037
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Chandra Gautam, Dy C.P.O.

Programme
27 Nov: Press Confrence
30 Nov: Meeting in the Community
1 Dec: District Level Dialogue & Kala Jatha Program
5 Dec: Candle March
6 Dec: Community Meeting
7 Dec: Rally.

UPDATES

3 December
In Ambedkar Nagar a Candle March was organized in which a crowd of more than 300 participated.

2 December
Community meetings were held in a few villages during which discussions on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 took place. In addition, teachers, students and principals from local colleges attended programmes at which material and information on the DV Act 2005 was distributed.

Azamgarh

Campaign Contact Person -Rajdev Chaturvedim, phone: 9451113651
D.V. Act Protection Officer: Ms. Saroj Srivastava, D.P.O.

Programme
23 Nov: Press conference
25 Nov: Community Meeting
26 Nov: College Programme
27 Nov: Road Show Nov 28: Candle March
29 Nov: Signature Campaign
30 Nov: Discourse in the Police Station & Case Documentation Dec 1: Wall Painting
2 Dec: Candle March & Community Meeting
3 Dec: Community Meeting & Case Documentation
4 Dec: District level meeting
5 Dec: Nukkar Natak in Community
6 Dec: Press Conference & District Level Dialouge
7 Dec: Community Meeting & Nukkar Natak in the same place
8 Dec: Nukkar Natak in the Community
9 Dec:Community Meeting & Nukkar Natak

UPDATES
5 December
At a College Programme there was a discussion of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

4 December
Campaign partners in Azamgarh documented cases of domestic violence and learned that most of the victims were not aware of the DV Act.

3 December
The Ab to Jaago Campaign partners of Azamgarh organized a Candle March in which about 150 people participated.

1 December
In Azamgharh a meeting was organized in the Police Station, where participants received material and joined a discussion on Ab To Jaago.

29 November
To show support for the DV Act, 500 people attended a Signature Campaign.

28 November
A candle march was held and drew support from children, youth, novelists and local social activists who attended the event.

27 November
A rally was held at which posters and stickers were distributed and posted on walls.

26 November
Two meetings were held where more than 100 people attended. In addition, the Kala Jatha theater group, which will be performing in all 41 of the campaign districts, presented the first performance of their domestic violence themed production. 100 people gathered to experience the play.

23 November
There was a community level to discuss how all community members will participate in the campaign. A press conference was hold at which there was a heated argument with the media. The fact there was no money for the service providers who implement the DV Act was also brought up.

DV Act 2005 - Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act

The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 is a historic step for India. The passage of the Act marks the first time that Parliament recognized violence against women and girls as a widespread problem that takes place not only in married couple's homes but also in women's childhood homes.

Background:

Remedies available to a victim of domestic violence in the civil courts (divorce) and criminal courts (vide Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code) were limited. There was no emergency relief available to the victim; the remedies that were available were linked to matrimonial proceedings; and the court proceedings were always protracted, during which period the victim was invariably at the mercy of the abuser. And, relationships outside marriage were not recognized.

The main purpose of the legislation is to provide civil remedies to the victims of domestic violence. The personal laws also offer little help to a spouse who does not wish to separate from her husband. The concept of statutory protection to women who have been living in conditions of violence does not exist in the personal law jurisprudence. The matrimonial laws, prevalent in our country and codified in the personal laws, fail to address the right of residence to the aggrieved person. The awards for maintenance or alimony are improper and inadequate and are mostly granted in the nature of monthly payments or one-time settlements, which are altogether insufficient to address the woman's needs. Hence in all these situations, the woman's basic right to shelter and reside in the house, where she had been living in a domestic relationship, is not addressed. It is these areas that the DV Act means to address.

What the act provides:

A definition of domestic violence for the first time in Indian legislation. The definition of civil wrong of domestic violence in the DV Act conforms to the United Nations framework for model legislation on domestic violence and CEDAW. The definition includes various forms of domestic violence such as sexual abuse including indirectly including child sexual abuse and marital rape, physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse and economic abuse.
The rights to reside in a shared household and protection against violence are the most important aspects of the law, where the right to reside in the shared household has been recognized for the first time.
The definition of person aggrieved also includes the child along with daughters, widows , 'second wives' or women who believe themselves as 'legally' married to their spouse or women who are thrown out of the matrimonial homes after being told that there was no marriage since the essential ceremonies of marriage were not performed. These were women who till now did not have any legal recourse.

Relief’s provided to the aggrieved person:

• Protection Orders: acknowledges the right to protection from violence which was absent in law till now. The aggrieved person can get orders prohibiting the respondent from committing or abetting in committing violence, entering the workplace, school or residence, alienating any assets, or an other act specified in the order.
• Residence Orders: which guarantees the right of the aggrieved person to reside in the shared household or be provide alternative accommodation.
• Monetary Orders: The court may direct the respondent to pay monetary relief to meet the expenses incurred and losses suffered by the person aggrieved and any child as a result of the domestic violence
• Custody Orders: the court may, at any stage of the hearing of the petition for protection order grant temporary custody of any child or children to the person aggrieved
• Compensation Orders: an order directing the respondent to pay compensation and damages for the injuries caused by the Acts of domestic violence committed by the respondent.

• Interim/Ex parte orders

• Counselling for the respondent

Mechanism: Protection Officers and Service Providers

The Protection officers, to be appointed by state governments, will be under the jurisdiction and control of the court, and will be responsible to the court for monitoring the cases of domestic abuse and providing assistance to the aggrieved person. The Protection Officer's role has been visualized as officers who are required to perform functions even outside the vicinity of the court room and providing assistance to the aggrieved person in implementing the orders of the court. Its role is also to co-ordinate with service providers for providing shelter, medical aid, assistance in collection of the stridhan of the person aggrieved.

Service providers: This provision is a recognition of the role of service providers especially NGOs who provide basic necessary services of medical aid, shelter, legal assistance etc., to survivors of domestic violence.

The breach of a Protection order can lead to a conviction upto one year and or a fine of Rs. 20,000.

Next Steps:

"…freedom from violence in the private domain still remains a distant dream for women in domestic relationships, a year after this revolutionary law came into the statute books." – Indira Jaising, “Family against woman,” The Indian EXPRESS. Friday, 26 October, 2007.

The passage of law is undoubtedly an important tool for changing the situation of domestic violence in the country. But its efficacy can be undermined if it is not accepted and supported by the community and stakeholders. To reinforce the DV Act legislation, we still must:

• Appoint Protection officers by all states, providing them with adequate resources to fulfill their duties and responsibilities in a meaningful way.
• Register service providers
• Disseminate on a large scale the law and the mechanisms to access it
• Appoint counsellors
• Train police vis a vis their roles and responsibilities
• Ensure adequate referral services such as shelter, medical assistance and legal aid are available in all districts.

Domestic Violence in India

Domestic violence, as defined by the DV Act, constitutes physical or mental harm, including sexual, verbal, emotional or economic abuse by a male member of the family or anyone living under the same roof. Harassment of the victim with a view to coercing her or any other person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for dowry or property is also covered under the law. The following statistics portray the grave problem of domestic violence in India:

• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-III) carried out in 29 states during 2005 - 2006 and released in 2007 reveals over 37 per cent married women in the country are victims of physical or sexual abuse by their husbands
• It says nearly 45 per cent of women in the country, aged between 20 and 24, are married off before they reach 18, the legal age to marry. The number is over 50 per cent in eight states. See http://nfhsindia.org/
• A report by United Nation Population Fund found that some 70 percent of Indian women believed that wife-beating was justified under certain circumstance, such as refusal to have sex or for not preparing food on time.
• According to the National Crime Records Bureau, of 155,553 crimes committed against women in 2005 -- 68,810 were domestic violence cases
• Its statistics also show one dowry death every 77 minutes and one case of cruelty by husband and relatives every nine minutes
• A nationwide survey by the International Center for Women's Research shows that 52 per cent of women suffer at least one incident of physical or psychological violence in their lifetime
• A 2006 UNICEF report says 69 million children witness violence within homes in India

5 November 2007 Campaign Planning Meeting

Campaign partners shared the progress they have made in seeking out venues and participants for the many planned events throughout the 16 days of activism.

Campaign publicity materials were shared with the group, and partners decided on a method for distributing the materials in each of the targeted 40 districts. As part of the strategy, distribution of the materials will coincide with the collection of signatures from individuals supporting the DV Act.

As the campaign kick-off date approaches, partners listed the various permissions and confirmations required to finalize the different programs. In order to have Doordarshan cover an event, they must be notified at least 2 days in advance. To run any public event in the city, they must obtain permission from city authorities 15 days beforehand.

Partners also determined the various routes to follow for the public marches. The November 25th Mashal Procession will run from Parivartan Chowk to Vidhan Sabha. The Candle March on November 27 will take place from Daligang to Daligang Chauharah. The Rally on December 10 will start from Vidhan Sabha and will close either at Bal Vidya or at Ravindralay.

Many other events are being planned and final details will be shared at the next meeting- 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13. A confirmed schedule of events will also be finalized and posted following this meeting. On Monday, November 19, a state-level meeting will unite representatives from all 40 districts to assure the whole state is connected for the 16 days of activism.

29 October 2007 Campaign Planning Meeting

At today’s DV Act Campaign planning meeting, campaign partners made more progress on preparing for the 16 Days of Activism events.

First, the group members gave updates about progress made on tasks assigned at the last meeting. The materials for the campaign have been finalized and will be sent to the printer on November 2nd. On October 26th, Ravi, Mitashri and Shakila went to Doordarshan and proposed to have a talk show there on November 23rd and 24th. They will have another meeting with the partners in Doordarshan on November 3rd or 4th to discuss this further. Oxfam will arrange a street play with a team from Jokera, Azamghar. The script is being prepared, and after finalizing the script, the team will perform in several districts of UP. Mamta told the group that she was not yet able to talk with the Rajya Suchna Vibhag because the concerned person was out of town. However, Mamta will try to contact this person when s/he returns. Lastly, Shruti shared a newly-published issue of “Hinsa Mukt Juvan Sabka Adhikar” with the group.

Following the updates, the group discussed ways to increase people’s awareness of and involvement in the campaign. To get others involved, the group decided to create a poster describing the campaign activities that will take place in Lucknow. Sanjukta of AALI and Shruti of Oxfam will prepare this poster. Mahendra volunteered to send brochures and other materials about domestic violence to people who wish to get involved. The group also discussed radio announcements, and Amit of SAHAYOG said he would follow up with FM Rainbow before the end of the month.

The group then discussed plans for the campaign kick-off events. It was decided that a press conference will be held at the Press Club on Friday, November 23rd. Susheela of SAHAYOG will be in charge of coordinating the press conference. The group agreed that they need to develop a program for the kick-off weekend events which lists the different events and when they will take place. Sudha of Humsafar and Amit of SAHAYOG volunteered to work on this event program and also told the group that there is a team that can help with the street play and the script. It was decided that there will be a candlelight demonstration on Saturday, November 24th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Parivartan Chowk. At the demonstration there will be two banners and display boards. Ajay will help organize the candlelight demonstration and the materials. On November 25th, the campaign will host a film screening. If possible, the group would like to have Nandita Das, Rahul Bose, Jeved Akhtar or Farukh Shekh attend the screening, and Shruti volunteered to invite them. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion with panelists including famous personalities from Lucknow. SAHAYOG will provide the DVD and will arrange to get the screen from NAZ, and AALI will arrange for the LCD. The group discussed possible venues for the film screening and narrowed it down to three options: Ravindralaya, Ganna Sansthan, or Gandhi Bhawan. Sanjukta will contact Ravindralaya, Shruti will contact Ganna Sansthan, and Mamta will contact Ghandi Bhawan.

The next meeting will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, November 5th at the SAHAYOG Office

25 October 2007 Campaign Planning Meeting

Today the DV Act Campaign held another successful planning meeting. During the first part of the meeting, the partners reviewed and discussed the poster designs and slogans to be used in the campaign. It was decided that the posters should give a positive message to show that the DV Act was passed into law in order to promote women’s rights and freedom from violence, not to cause harm to men or families. During the meeting, two of three slogans were finalized: “For better life, for happy family life,” and “This Act is not a law against men or family, rather it seeks to give women full rights to a life free from violence.” An artist who is working with MASVAW volunteered to help make sketches for the posters.

The group also discussed other logistics of the campaign, including publicity, sponsorship and the inauguration event. It was suggested that the partners talk to many different media outlets to publicize the campaign and spread the campaign’s message. One of the women who is helping to coordinate the campaign spoke to some government officials in Lucknow and got their approval to use some billboard space to put up the campaign posters. However, the campaign partners must first get CM Mayawati’s permission before they can move forward. The group also decided that they want to find a corporate sponsor for the campaign. Lastly, the group brainstormed ideas for the inauguration event, and decided to kick off the campaign by screening “Provoked,” a movie about a violent relationship starring Aishwarya Rai. They also decided to invite a celebrity speaker to talk about the domestic violence act after the movie screening. The group will need to book an auditorium for the campaign kick-off event, and will also send out cards to invited guests.

Healthwatch Forum, MASVAW and Youth-For-Change volunteered to coordinate activities such as a candlelight vigil, roadshows and one-act plays as part of the campaign.

The next campaign planning meeting will take place on Monday, October 29th at 4pm at the SAHAYOG office.