Week-long programme to mark Women’s Day

This year the International Women’s Day will not be a single-day affair. Neelam Pandey reports.

This year the International Women’s Day will not be a single-day affair.

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The Delhi government has decided to use the entire week to highlight women’s safety issues through performances by music bands, street plays and having road-shows at strategic places. Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit will kick-start the celebrations on Sunday.

Women’s safety became a burning issue after the gang rape of a 23-year-old paramedic student in December, last year.

A special van displaying women’s issues and the steps taken by the government will make round of various places in the city. These vehicles will frequent many places including 10 Metro stations, market places and the Delhi university campus to sensitise people about issues pertaining to women.

On International Women’s Day, a special programme has been organised at the Talkatora Stadium in which thousands of women will participate

“We decided to dedicate the entire week to issues related to women. After the gang rape of the 23-year-old woman, the issue of women’s safety has taken centre stage. Street plays will be held at strategic places to highlight the issues of harassment that women have to brave every day,” said Kiran Walia, women and child development minister.

Officials said the busiest Metro stations have been identified so that more and more people can participate.

According to senior officials, the street plays will focus on safety and women empowerment by highlighting the daily struggle of women who face sexual harassment at their homes and workplace.