1 Billion Rising For Justice
Navigate Sign Up

Rising for Freedom at Gandhi Museum | Madurai, India

Published: 14 February 2025 > India

Source: Annai Institute of Vocational Training and Ekta Madurai

“Standing Together Against Gender-Based Violence! Our organization, @aitmadurai, along with our learners, proudly joined the “Rising for Freedom” movement at Gandhi Museum, Madurai, organized by Ekta Resource for Women.

This impactful event brought together students, activists, and NGOs to raise awareness about violence against women in both physical and virtual spaces. The rally emphasized the urgent need to end gender-based violence and empower women. As advocates for equality, we believe that awareness is the first step towards change. Every voice raised brings us closer to a safer, more inclusive world. Let’s continue to stand united in breaking barriers and ensuring a future free from discrimination and violence!” – Annai Institute of Vocational Training

“Organized by EKTA Resource Center for Women, Madurai, in collaboration with various institutions, the event advocates against exploitation and for justice. Partner organizations include Dept. of Communication – MKU, Sakthi Vidiyal, Koodu Women Readers Forum, SOCO Trust, Justice Shivaraj Patil Foundation, SNEHA, AA Academy, ISM, DEEPAM, TN Women’s Collective, Antenna Trust, Mahalir Sakthi, Ilakku, New Creations, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Thadam Trust, Mahalir Munnetra Sangam, One Stop Centre, Thiyagam Women Trust, Sand Trust, REACT, PAD, Annai Institute of Vocational Training, Vision Foundation, Suvadugal, Evidence, Payir, VAPS, Arogya Agam, People’s Watch, Velliveethiyar School, Sermathai Vasan College, Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College, Madurai Institute of Social Sciences, The American College, Tamil Nadu Technical Training School & Paramedical Institute, District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Paavai Foundation, Rotary Laharry School, Interact Club of Madurai Phoenix, and MPF International School.The event begins with a rally, prayer, and Tamil Thai Vazhthu, followed by an inaugural session led by Thirumigu Bimla Chandrasekaran (EKTA Director) and a welcome address by Dr. S. Nagarathinam (MKU). Thirumigu P. Phavalam (EKTA) will share the event’s perspective, and Advocate S. Selva Gomathi (SOCO Trust) will lead a symbolic balloon release. An oath-taking ceremony will be conducted by Thirumigu S. Amutha Shanthy (Thiyagam Women’s Trust).

Key speakers include Thirumigu K. Thilagam (District Social Welfare Officer, Madurai), Dr. S. Meenakshi (Gandhigram Rural Institute), and Dr. K. S. Pushpa (Dept. of Home Science, GRI). The vote of thanks will be delivered by Dr. Rani Chakkaravarthy (Koodu Readers Forum).

From 12:00 PM onwards, cultural performances will feature Karagattam, Parai drumming, Oyilattam, Silambam, skits, poetry recitations, dramas, mime acts, and street plays. The event will conclude with the National Anthem at 1:55 PM.

Bringing together activists, organizations, and individuals, this powerful gathering aims to create lasting awareness and action against exploitation, championing justice and freedom.” – Ekta Madurai