Young Filipino women stand up against violence against women

Women world over are victims of gender based violence and especially those in South-Asian cultures. Protesting against this, around 4,000 students from a Roman Catholic school in Manila staged a protest to call for an end to violence against women and girls yesterday. This was a part of a global campaign called One Billion Rising.

The protesters ranged from students studying in Kindergarten to students of post-graduation. They were also joined by some nuns from the institution. Director of the movement ‘One Billion Rising’ is a Filipino actress, Monique Wilson, who started this three years ago. According to Asian Correspondent, Wilson said that U.N. statistics show that one in three women or 1 billion will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.

Protesters in Philippines

Picture By: Asian Correspondent

According to The Hindu, a statement issued by the school said: “Violence against women and children has escalated. With worsened domestic violence, trafficking and kidnapping there is hardly space for women and children.” A nun frm the school added, “We rise, revolt and dance to a future when there is no more violence and when women and children are safe, secure and empowered,” she said.

The protesters, who had purple ribbons on their wrists stomped their feet and raised their hands on Friday as they danced to call for an end to violence against women and girls, said the report.

The Indian Express>