Exposing Violence against Women: A Campaign in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Vanangana, a women’s group, recently organised a campaign against domestic violence in Banda district in Uttar Pradesh. To provoke the women themselves to break their silence on this issue. Vanangana, in 30 villages, performed a play based on a real incident and followed it up with discussions. The campaign proved effective in creating awareness.

BANDA district in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh has made headlines because it is home to the dreaded dacoit Dadua and his gang. The crime that escapes, notice is domestic violence against women. The industrial and economic backwardness of this region - one of the most backward in the state - provides
fertile soil for such activities. The parameters of women's progress in the region are lower than the already abysmal state averages.