‘Use outrage to change society’s sensibilities’

Women activists welcome Bangalore bandh

Several women activists in the city welcomed the Bangalore bandh on Thursday.

Donna Fernandes of Vimochana, a non-governmental organisation working for women’s rights said that though she opposed calling for a bandh in any form as it prevented several vulnerable sections from earning their livelihoods, the voluntary participation of citizens was a gesture that sent out a loud message saying they couldn’t take it anymore.

‘Pursue action plan’

K.S. Vimala, general secretary, All India Democratic Women’s Association, said the bandh was also a message to the government to pursue an action plan and tackle the issue of crimes against women.

Well-known Kannada writer and critic M.S. Ashadevi said though she welcomed the bandh as an expression of solidarity, it was ironical to call a bandh on an issue that demanded a change in society’s sensibilities.

“What has changed is the perception of women, but not sensibilities,” she said. She added that the expression of outrage following crimes against women should be channelled to frame an action plan to bring about a change in society’s sensibilities.