In the village of Marngor, West Khasi Hills District, NEN Meghalaya observed One Billion Rising (OBR) 2024, in collaboration with the Department of Music, Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong. The community gathered to take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV) through different celebrations and artistic expressions. According to WHO, 1 in 3 women experience intimate partner violence and/or non-partner sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. This alarming statistic equates to a population of 1 billion women and girls. In order to address this, women, youth and allies rise together against GBV, every February, fostering a new kind of consciousness that celebrates love. This year, OBR is being observed worldwide with the theme “Rise for Freedom: Be the New World.”
In Meghalaya, OBR 2024 commenced with a warm welcome speech by Amita Mary Sanglyne, a school teacher from Ferrando Secondary School, Mawrusyiar. A poster-making competition followed, through which children and youth from the village expressed their thoughts. Prizes were also distributed to acknowledge the creative talents of the participants in the poster-making competition. Another highlight of the day was a friendly football match where women and girls participated with a lot of enthusiasm. Later in the afternoon, youth and women danced their hearts out. The spirit of OBR was also reflected through the musical performances by the students from Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong. Music is a medium which can evoke strong emotions. Thus, this campaign focused on raising dialogues about solidarity, freedom, and a better future through music. The vote of thanks for the OBR campaign was delivered by Brolistar Lawphniaw, village secretary of Marngor.
With a total of 68 participants, the campaign stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring communities to stand together and speak out for a future where every individual, regardless of gender, enjoys freedom, equality, and dignity.
(Prior consent obtained for sharing children’s photographs)
