On 25th November the atmosphere of Calcutta Rescue’s Tala Park Clinic could be described as ‘vibrant orange’! The clinic was decorated with orange balloons, orange threads were looped together, staff had orange ribbons entwined on their wrists and dresses. The women who lead the event wore orange clothes.
25th November marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with the theme “Orange the World: Generation Equality against Rape”.
The event was organised by Calcutta Rescue’s social worker and counsellor , Suchandra Chatterjee. She discussed gender-based abuse, violence, rape and even marital rape which is not a criminal offence in India. Lea Christen, a volunteer from Switzerland depicted the scenario of abuse of women in the faraway country.
You are not alone,” Lea told the women present with Suchandra translating, “And this is not your fault. Even in Switzerland women have to lead protests because they are abused.”
Around 50 women, young and old, married and unmarried from various bustees where CR work, sat and listened attentively to what the staff told them.
Health instructor Anita Chandra is the first person women look to to tell their sordid stories of abuse. “They confide in me. They cry. I try my best to help and if they need more help I refer them to Suchandra.” Anita told the women that they should not just keep quiet and suffer, but to speak out.
“It is really difficult for these women to talk about such issues because they are extremely poor, they don’t have the means to get out of the relationship, and often their own parents will not take them back.” Suchandra said, “Divorce is not even an option when an Indian woman is taught that marriage is a sacred institution to follow. The women will be stigmatised instead.”
Many women are not literate enough to know how to proceed even if she wants to take legal actions, “Come to us.” Suchandra told them, “Calcutta Rescue does not work directly for legal actions but we have the partners who know what to do.
Vocational training manager Tuli Chatterjee urged the women to become independent. “There are ample training and courses available for all that can lead to finding paid work. I will help you to find those opportunities.” She said to them. “Financial independence is very important. If a woman cannot stay in her husband’s home anymore it will help her stand strong even in the face of peril.” Tuli added.
Four survivors from the audience told their stories of long fights against abuse and how they overcame.. “I have been visiting Calcutta Rescue for me and my child’s treatment for a long time. My husband tried to burn me when I was pregnant.” Mira (name changed) croaked out in a tearful voice, “ I came to Calcutta Rescue and Suchandra helped me to find the right people to help me. Now I live with my child and I work in Calcutta Rescue handicrafts project.” Her bravery got a round of huge applause from the audience.
After the event, some women came forward asking for opinions. Suchandra helped with counselling and Tuli answered questions for available training and work opportunities. “I am very happy that they are coming forward and speaking out,” Suchandra said. “ I just want them to know that we are here for them. They need to overcome their fears and together we can stand against the violence.”
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