On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, the Prasiddha Foundation launched its campaign “Dilli Naari Shakti Hamari” – on gender equality and women’s safety and hosted a signature drive at Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event was a part of ‘Raahgiri Day’ in collaboration with UN Women, the Delhi Police and the Hindustan Times.
Raahgiri is a popular Sunday activity, which includes fitness sessions, cycling, and music and dance sessions for people across the city at the city’s iconic Connaught Place. Delhities turned up in large numbers for the event early on Sunday morning. Young boys and men were seen pledging their support to HeForShe – UN Women’s solidarity campaign for gender equality. Puppet shows, music bands with especially composed songs, theatre, and dance performances were amongst the various acts performed in the central space.A dance group presented an incredible and powerful act. “Ab Bus” (“Enough!”) on violence against women, and the Asmita theatre group performed a street play called “Dastak”. All the performances sent out a strong and a clear message, especially to men and boys, asking for action for gender equality.
Many eminent personalities – Member of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi; the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia; and theatre personality Arvind Gaur came by to express their solidarity with UN Women’s campaign. The celebrations ended with all the participants taking a pledge to address stereotypes and work towards making Delhi safer for women.