Jaipur transformed its Valentine’s Day celebration into a powerful statement against violence towards women, rallying under the global campaign known as One Billion Rising. Thousands of residents gathered at the iconic Statue Circle, where they united in their commitment to end violence against women. Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva addressed the crowd, stating, "I too, as a woman, have come to lend my voice and express solidarity to end violence against women from the face of the earth."
Participants at the Jaipur event included a diverse mix of individuals from various backgrounds, signaling a strong community effort. The gathering featured students and teachers from over 20 educational institutions, local unions, police, and elected representatives, all united in their calls for change. As they sang and danced, participants expressed their resolve through pledges such as: “I will not discriminate against women and girls in anyway;” “I will not be violent towards anyone, especially women and girls;” and “I will actively oppose violence being done to any woman/girl.”
- Community involvement — The event saw participation from various sectors, including students, teachers, and local leaders.
- Grassroots activism — Activist Aruna Roy emphasized the need for people to reclaim their freedoms from societal constraints.
- Ongoing campaign — The One Billion Rising initiative aims to continue beyond this event, with a major focus on International Women’s Day.
Renowned grassroots activist Aruna Roy urged attendees to rise against violence, stating, “We have to reclaim our freedoms from our homes, workplaces, farms, fields, Panchayats.” Her sentiments were echoed by others, including Jaipur Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal, who encouraged women to take on leadership roles to drive significant, lasting changes in society. The Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, Lad Kumari Jain, reassured the public of the Commission's ongoing support for girls facing distress.
Local authorities, including District Collector T. Ravi Kant and Police Commissioner B.L. Soni, also expressed their commitment to creating a safe environment for women. They highlighted that without safety at home, school, and public spaces, the city as a whole could not be secure. They encouraged women to take a stand against violence and not to accept it as a norm.
The pledges made in Jaipur were part of a broader movement across Rajasthan, with similar rallies occurring in cities like Ajmer, Pratapgarh, Jalore, and others. Kavita Srivastava, national secretary of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties, announced that the efforts would not conclude with this event. Instead, they would build momentum leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8, reinforcing the commitment to end violence against women.
