Odisha Launches 16-Day Anti-Gender Violence Drive

By: WE Staff | Friday, 24 November 2023

Odisha's Department of Women and Child Development will start a comprehensive 16-day awareness campaign on gender violence on November 25, 2023. From November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day), this project aims to confront and eradicate gender-based violence across the state through a series of theme-based events.

In a direction to district social welfare officials, Under-secretary Asutosh Behera specified the planned activities and the allocation of funding for each. The campaign will begin with talks and conversations about gender-based violence, then go on to theme-based painting contests, discussions about domestic abuse, and discussions about economic independence and the prohibition of dowries.

Following days will address crucial themes such as witch hunts, trafficking, cybercrime and online safety, the impact of gender-based violence on mental health, child marriage, and teenage female empowerment. The campaign demonstrates a deliberate effort at the district level to increase awareness and organize resources to address gender violence effectively.

In a similar move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved modifications to gender eligibility criteria, which would exclude transgender players who have reached male puberty from competing in women's international games. The purpose of this decision is to protect the integrity and safety of the international women's game. Simultaneously, the ICC has approved a proposal to develop female match officials, equalize umpire compensation, and use a neutral umpire for the ICC Women's Championship series beginning in 2024.

Meanwhile, India has organized a five-day Millets Festival in Jakarta to promote millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food option in the Asean region. The event will include displays, culinary demonstrations, and participation from millet-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), businesses, and chefs from India and Indonesia, all of whom will highlight the nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits of millets.