Hyderabad: Webinar held to counter gender-based violence

Hyderabad: Observing the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, Youngistaan Foundation organised a virtual event on Saturday to counter gender-based violence and to create awareness on reducing violence faced by women. Over 50 participants attended this event while more than 2,000 people watched the event on Facebook and Youtube Live streaming.

The event was graced by the presence of four esteemed panellists - Sumathi Badugula, DIG,Women Safety Wing, Sudarsana Kundu, a Co executive Director, Work Global, Pearl Choragudi, Head of Counselling at My Choices Foundation and Richa Singh, Assistant Manager in digital engagement at Breakthrough. The event had a bang start with an alluring performance by city-based popular singer-songwriter, Rinky Sharma from her own album.

Speaking on the occasion, women from lower caste face violence daily. In continuation of understanding violence, there was a 60 per cent rise in the number. She addressed the importance of counselling in situations of domestic violence as a way to construct healthy relationships.

As an extension of domestic violence, intimate partner violence was discussed by Pearl Choragudi shedding light on red flags and emotional abuse or manipulation in relationships which form the basis for a toxic relationship. Also highlighted about the consent in a relationship and how 'no means no', it is highly important to respect and reciprocate to the partner which is achieved by better communication.

Swathi M, a BTech student said, "The topics are very crucial, informative and very relevant to our daily lives. As such topics are not discussed in our colleges, the session helped me to deal with certain issues. I shall continue to implement in my life".

Dhanya, a BA student said, "I loved the entire session. Sessions like these help youngsters like me to deal with daily difficulties. I request the team to host these sessions more in number".

Arun Daniel Yellamaty, founder of Youngistaan Foundation thanked each and every volunteer for making this event happen. He urged the audience to be aware of various kinds of gender-based violence and have courage to counter it alone and also use the resources around.