Human Rights Day: Is your Best Friend Abused?
On 10th December 2024, Human Rights Day, the Buddhadeb Dasgupta Memorial Trust, in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, organized a thought-provoking program titled "Is Your Best Friend Abused?" at the American Center, Kolkata. Held from 10am to 5pm. The event, part of the UN Women's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, aimed to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence through interactive workshops and discussions. It commenced with the felicitation of Kathy Giles-Diaz, the Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata, setting the stage for a series of impactful sessions.
The first session, Workplace: Safe Space? conducted by Dr. Ishani Roy, focused on workplace safety under the PoSH Act, 2013, highlighting harassment and bullying in professional spaces while emphasizing the need for inclusivity. Advocate Mrinalini Majumdar led the session Dial H for Help, offering practical insights into navigating gender-based violence and accessing institutional support. Another engaging workshop, Is Your Best Friend Abused? was facilitated by Ms. Satabhisha Chatterjee. This gamified session delved into identifying domestic abuse, understanding victim behaviour, and exploring bystander responsibilities.
The event also featured the screening of Drama Queens, a documentary directed by Sohini Dasgupta, celebrating the lives of three women icons in the performing arts. Adding to the variety of sessions, Dr. Sohini Chakraborty conducted an interactive workshop titled Understanding Body-Space. Using therapeutic dance, she demonstrated how reconnecting with one's body could foster identity reclamation and liberation. Meanwhile, Dr. Anuttama Banerjee's session, Is everything Fair in "Love"? examined the complexities of trauma bonding and toxic relationships, equipping participants with tools to manage vulnerability and navigate emotional challenges.
The day concluded on a high note with a live music performance by Saheli Chaudhury, which infused a cultural element into the program. Combining education, engagement, and creativity, the event provided valuable insights into recognizing, understanding, and addressing gender-based violence. Through its diverse sessions and artistic expressions, it inspired participants to act against abuse and promote a more inclusive society.
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