Photo Courtesy: Sam Sudheer & Ranjana Das/ Oxfam India

Hyderabad 12^th Dec 2010.  Oxfam India along with its partner NGOs in the state today culminated its 16 day campaign against domestic violence – SWETCHA with a solidarity rally. More than 400 community members, students and general public have shown their solidarity for the campaign against domestic violence. The rally flagged off by Mr. A.K.Khan, Police Commissioner, Hyderabad started from Necklace Road (MMTS Station) to Sanjeevaih Park The 400+ participants have gathered at the Sanjeevaih Park to pledged their support for the campaign SWETCHA and signed the solidarity wall to help reduce social acceptance of domestic violence and also to raise awareness of the laws against domestic violence like the DV act and also of the various support structures available such as Support Centers supported by Oxfam India. The culmination also had cultural events performed by the community workers from the partner NGOs across the state

Oxfam India along with its partners in Andhra Pradesh have initiated  intensive campaign Swetcha as part of the 16 days of activism on violence against women (November 25^th to December 10^th). This year marks the 20th year of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence Campaign and it is important to utilize the campaign to bring in some transformative change in women’s lives. As the part of the campaign Oxfam India had initiated media advocacy with its media partner TV9, interactive sessions with the students from various colleges and signature campaigns across the state to raise awareness of the issues of domestic violence.

"Through SWETCHA campaign Oxfam India has been successful in raising awareness on issues of domestic violence helping to reducing the social acceptance of violence against women in both private and public spears. The campaign strived for   a positive change in the policy environment and social practices that perpetuate its acceptance at an institutional and community level. Oxfam India will continue to work and extend its support to women survivors especially from the marginalized communities through counseling, access improve and compliment  the support services provided by the Government” said Mr. Shaik Anwar, Regional Manager, Oxfam India, Hyderabad.

Story Credit: Sam Sudheer Bandi/ Oxfam India