The ‘We Can’ campaign to end violence against women is now in its 7th year running. The objective of the campaign is to reduce social acceptance of violence against women, and in India the focus is on domestic violence. Aaina has been involved since the beginning of the campaign in 2004, as Odisha State Coordinator Office.

As a strategy the campaign is creating Change Makers in South Asia, and in Odisha the campaign has enrolled nearly 3 lakhs Change Makers across all 30 districts.

The 4th State Change Maker Assembly “Paribartanara Pathe” was held at Jharsuguda on 22nd & 23rd December 2010. Around 300 participants from 30 districts of the state attended, including activists, alliance members, Change Makers, teachers, celebrities and media personalities. The guests included Mrs. Kasturi Mohapatra State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Mrs. Jyoti Panigrahi Chairperson of the State Commission for Women, Ms. Sulata Deo Chairperson State Welfare Board and Mr. Narayan Pruseth.

The 2-day assembly involved an opening inauguration, plenary session and four workshops on the topics of: “Women & Media”, “Women & Conflict”, “PCPNDT Act” and “The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children”. On Day 1 there was a candle rally through the city, to remember the 50 million missing women, and this was followed by an entertaining cultural program, coordinated by media celebrities Mr. Soumen, Mr. Subhranshu and Mr. Shiba.

The Assembly was a fantastic platform for all the Change Makers to come together, share thoughts and learnings. Out of the two days came a list of successes, challenges and exciting plans for the year ahead. ..Watch this space!