By TCN News,
Cambridge, Massachusetts: WRise, a women-led group held its inaugural event in the Right to Be Series at MIT on Sunday, March 3, 2013. The discussion opened dialogue on issues of custodial rape, state-supported violence against women in geo-politically sensitive areas, and problems of accessing justice through the case of Soni Sori, a tribal woman from Chattisgarh, India.
Shilpi Suneja presented a powerful, moving piece juxtaposing how Soni Sori is perceived by the Indian state against her identity as a woman, mother, and survivor of brutality. The group invited attendees to seek justice for Soni Sori through the One Billion Rising for Soni Sori petitions at the venue as well.
Panel of speakers..
Following this piece, Shwetika Kumar provided a concise yet effective background on the context of the conflict in Chattisgarh, the Naxalite movement in India, Salwa Judum and its use of local populations, and the Indian state’s role in the conflict. “A humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded in Chhattisgarh because of this unchecked greed for natural resources,” said Kumar.
Shwtika Kumar now talking about women caught between two sickels in the red corridor.
Chhavi Goenka summarized and problematized the implementation of the Justice Verma Committee Report, which was submitted on January 23, 2013 to suggest ways to make rape laws stronger in India in response to the gruesome gang rape of a young woman in Delhi on December 16, 2012. The session, along with a highly engaging question and discussion portion, was moderated by Pronita Saxena.
Soni sori and #vaw being discussed at MIT
Over 60 people, women and men, attended the event, including members of Women Fight Back (WFN), Chelsea Uniting Against the War, the Bolivarian Circle of Boston, and the Association for India’s Development (AID). During the latter half of the event, there was a lively discussion and dialogue among attendees about systems of patriarchy, domestic violence, the double standard between media and acceptable conduct for women on the streets in India, and suggestions for future collaboration.
WRise’s discussions are open to the community and held every other Saturday at noon at Andala Café in Central Square, Cambridge, MA.