CB BureauCelebrating
a feeling of oneness and pride, over a thousand women came together to celebrate
their empowerment and endorse the One Billion Rising programme. They also celebrated St Valentine’s Day in the form of a
mass rally to raise awareness about gender-based violence. There was also a play on the
same theme followed by singing sessions and Gujarat’s traditional dance garba.
The
initiative was organized by Setco Foundation, the CSR arm of Setco Group, in
Kalol, Gujarat. The organization claims to be committed towards empowering women and helping them in securing better
lives.
‘We are committed to empowering women and
helping them to secure better lives. This programme is to show our support and
solidarity to our sisters. Given the encouraging response we have received from
both editions of the One Billion Rising rally, we hope to make this initiative
an annual affair,’ said Neethu Sheth ,
Executive Director, Setco Foundation, in their media release.
One Billion Rising is a global campaign by and for women. The campaign
was original launched on 14 February 2013, with one billion people in 207
countries dancing to demand an end to violence against women and girls. Initiated
by playwright and activist Eve Ensler (known for her play The Vagina Monologues),
and her organization V-Day, the campaign has now become an annual affair.
Setco
Foundation’s social initiatives include girl-child education, adult literacy
and healthcare awareness. The foundation also conducts special training camps
for women at anganwadis in various trades
including tailoring, embroidery and handcrafts making, to enable women to independently
sustain themselves.