It was a day when students raised their collective voice calling for gender equality. The #HearMeToo campaign against gender-based violence found its echo at the St. Joseph’s College for Women here on Friday.
More than 70 students shared their thoughts and debated on the topic- Is India ready to fight against gender-based violence?, at an event organised by non profits Yes We Can and Dhanya Educational and Environmental Development Society (DEEDS). The event concludes the UN’s 16-day campaign against gender-based violence called Orange the World: #HearMeToo.
“The campaign focused on women’s rights. Students are at the forefront of such campaigns, and we are happy with the response in Guntur. We have also organised such events in Visakhapatnam,” said Stephen Anurag, founder of Yes We Can and Vijay Vardahan, founder of DEEDS.
K. Sravani Padma and Hemalatha Chenna from St. Joseph’s College for Women were declared the winners in the debate competition, while Muntaz Molla and U. Anusha came second.
Historical context
Speakers focussed on the historical context of gender equality and highlighted some of the recent incidents of violence against women. Some pointed out positive outcomes of initiatives of the Central and the State governments in ensuring gender equality.
Earlier, the two organisations had conducted a workshop here on the Women's Day in March this year. British Deputy High Commissioner, Hyderabad, Andrew Fleming was the chief guest.
Principal of the college T. Swarupa Rani gave away the prizes. Anuroop Talluri, a young entrepreneur from the USA was present.
