Justin says no to violence against women

Justin says NO! to violence against women. Have you? 

Deepan says No! to Gender Violence

Deepan says No! to gender violence. It's your turn now. 

"If you ever see it, challenge it," says Nirmal

"I think it's a shame that violence against women is such a widespread issue in society today," says Nirmal. Nirmal has taken the oath, have you?

Murali says NO! to Violence Against Women

"A civilised society cannot tolerate violence against women," says Murali. Have you taken the oath yet?

Jeremiah says No! to Violence Against Women

Jeremiah James urges all men to say No! to violence against women. Have you said your part yet?

Interview with Mr N Shekar, Vice President, CDG

Today, Campaign Chronicle is proud to feature an interview with Mr N Shekar, the Vice President of CDG. CDG is a longtime partner of Prajnya and one of the Corporate Campaign Partners for the Prajnya 16 Days Campaign Against Gender Violence. Mr Shekar joined CDG in July 2009 and serves today as Vice President, Global Strategy and also serves the role of Managing Director for the CDG India subsidiary. Mr Shekar also sent us a video as part of the Men Say No campaign:

As the Vice President of CDG, you have been part of an organisation that's doing a lot to promote safety and equality at the workplace. Can you tell us some of the common myths/misconceptions you've come across regarding workplace sexual harassment?
One of the common perception is that with increasing gender equality at workplace and life in general, men start believing that women should be spoken to in the same way they speak with other men. Many do not understand the meaning of harassment – through education we need to make them understand that harassment is what the other person experiences and should be seen from their perspective. This clear understanding is what eludes the beliefs and thus the behaviour.

How important is it for companies to train employees in this regard? Tell us your experience?
It is very important to develop a deep understanding of what is sexual harassment and that can come only through education and training. Many employees in the growing industries like IT are entering the workforce for the first time and they come straight from college atmosphere and they come with the belief that the behavior at work will be similar to college. This is not always true and it becomes difficult for them to adapt to the new environment. Also the older generation find it difficult to adapt to the sudden influx of younger workforce and their expectations. Only through training and education we can create an environment of safety, integrity and protective of the rights of women at workplace.

And finally, what is your message on Gender Violence? Why, in your view, should people speak up against it?
Sensitivity to others feelings and emotions is the key to this and if we exercise the same in every role we play – brother, sister, husband, wife, father, mother, employee, employer, boss etc – we can make this a better world for all. By reminding ourselves and constantly saying “No to violence against women” either at workplace or at home, we can create that change one step at a time. Speak up when you see an incident, experience the same or see in a public place. Your voice makes a difference to every women out there.

"Violence against women affects the whole society," says Soorya

Soorya is our next hero in the Men Say No! campaign. "Violence against women doesn't just affect women, but the whole society. Is this the society you want to leave for the future generation?" he asks.

Join Soorya and several other men to say No! to violence against women. Take 60 seconds to do this now. 

'Let's change our mindset,' says Raja

No society can claim to be civilised as long as there is violence against women, says Raja. How true! Watch Raja's appeal to all men -- and join him now! Take the oath. 

"Give women their due space," says Hemant

"The health of a society depends on how we treat our women," says Hemant Shivkumar, as he says No! to Violence Against Women. Hemant's message to everyone out there is to give women their due space, and treat them with respect and dignity.

Have you spoken out yet?

"Respect!" says Balu

This video from interior designer Balu is the second in our series. Balu makes an important point: no superiority comes simply by virtue of being a man. And respecting women is just about respecting a human being. 

Thank you Balu! You too can raise your voice against violence against women. Join the campaign today!

"Don't be a bystander," says Vetri

Vetri joins the campaign to raise his voice against all forms of violence directed at women. With a call to all men to not be a bystander, and to do something about the issue, Vetri has said No! to violence against women. It's your turn now.

Day 1: Launching a Call for Videos

It’s the big day! Months of preparation have brought us to this point: Day 1 of the Prajnya 16 Days Campaign Against Gender Violence, 2013. Starting today, we hope to have a sustained and meaningful engagement – both offline and online – on different issues surrounding Gender Violence. (Do take a look at our Calendar!) We kickstart the 16 Days of dialogue, debate and deliberation with a Call for Videos.

Dear Men, Whip out your phone and take the oath!

Call for Videos is an extension of what we did last year with the ‘Chennai Men Say No!’ campaign. The heroes: all the men reading this, and your friends. Why are you against gender violence? What are your views on street sexual harassment? What would you say to men who indulge in different kinds of violence against the women in their lives? What would you say to a man who uses violent speech and actions in his interactions with women? What about violence in the digital world?

It’s time to raise your voice – and it’s not difficult! All you need to do is send us a video. Here’s how:

Step 1: Pick up your mobile phone and shoot a video of yourself talking about violence against women

Step 2: Take the oath: “I am <YourName> and I say NO! to violence against women”

Step 3: Remember to keep the entire thing under 60 seconds

Step 4: Send it via WeTransfer or Dropbox to vetre.prajnya@gmail.com along with the text of your message, your name and contact details

Step 5: Wait for your video to be uploaded on our YouTube channel and inspire other men to do the same. 

Any questions? Drop in to our FAQs page.

Finished shooting the video? Congratulations! You’re now one of the men who say No! to violence against women

So while you wait for it to upload, why don’t you check out the first post part of our Blog Symposium? Don’t forget to engage! You can also follow us on Twitter where we’re putting out some awesome resources today, and the rest of the campaign.

But wait! That’s not all for Day 1. Watch this space for the launch of a very interesting initiative. (Hint: Make sure you drop in at noon today!)