A writer has launched a campaign in memory of a young woman who died after being brutally gang raped in India.
Reena Combo, decided to convene a campaign calling for justice following a horrific assault on a female bus passenger in the Indian city of Delhi, which has drawn international outrage.
The passenger, a 23-year-old medical student - who has been dubbed ‘Damini’, while her true identity remains unknown - was set upon by a gang of six intoxicated men, including a joy riding bus driver.
Her body was dumped in the road before being discovered and flown to Singapore for surgery, where she died of her injuries.
Following the attack on the passenger and her male friend, rallies have been staged across the world calling for those in charge to take responsibility.
Protests have highlighted gender attitudes in India, and called for changes to laws on rape and violence against women.
Reena’s initial online campaign message was re-tweeted thousands of times around the world, including by A-list British and Bollywood celebrities, prompting her to call for a vigil in Birmingham this week. She explained: “I started this tweet late last night and never expected to get such a response. Since then, it has been re-tweeted so many times by the likes of international actresses Juhi Chawla and Veena Malik.
"Other stars including Preeya Kalidas, Kiran Dhanoa, Dr Zeus, Sonny Ji, Jr Dread, Simon Nandhra and international film star Upen Patel also sharing the post encouraged me to do something to make a real difference.”
“Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by what has happened to 'Damini', it's horrific. I also did this because across the globe, I sit helpless and useless and the only way I felt I could vent or create some sort of awareness was via social networks.
I don’t want this girl's death to have been in vain. She may not be here anymore but she can be a silent voice for so many other oppressed women in India and other countries.”
Following the huge response to Reena’s campaign, a candle-light peace vigil in memory of ‘Damini’ is to take place in Victoria Square in Birmingham on Thursday 3 January 2013, at 7pm.
The event will be attended by a number of interfaith leaders, media figures and speakers, with outdoor sky lanterns also being released. There will also be a minute’s silence.
“Now is our time to show solidarity and togetherness and pay our respects to an amazing young woman who endured an horrific attack in Delhi and sadly passed away,” added organiser Reena.
Supporters are also urged to continue using the hashtags #JusticeForDamini and #WeShallProtestViaTwitterAcrossTheGlobe to raise awareness and continue the pressure on Indian authorities.
The passenger, a 23-year-old medical student - who has been dubbed ‘Damini’, while her true identity remains unknown - was set upon by a gang of six intoxicated men, including a joy riding bus driver.
Her body was dumped in the road before being discovered and flown to Singapore for surgery, where she died of her injuries.
Following the attack on the passenger and her male friend, rallies have been staged across the world calling for those in charge to take responsibility.
Protests have highlighted gender attitudes in India, and called for changes to laws on rape and violence against women.
Reena’s initial online campaign message was re-tweeted thousands of times around the world, including by A-list British and Bollywood celebrities, prompting her to call for a vigil in Birmingham this week. She explained: “I started this tweet late last night and never expected to get such a response. Since then, it has been re-tweeted so many times by the likes of international actresses Juhi Chawla and Veena Malik.
"Other stars including Preeya Kalidas, Kiran Dhanoa, Dr Zeus, Sonny Ji, Jr Dread, Simon Nandhra and international film star Upen Patel also sharing the post encouraged me to do something to make a real difference.”
“Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by what has happened to 'Damini', it's horrific. I also did this because across the globe, I sit helpless and useless and the only way I felt I could vent or create some sort of awareness was via social networks.
I don’t want this girl's death to have been in vain. She may not be here anymore but she can be a silent voice for so many other oppressed women in India and other countries.”
Following the huge response to Reena’s campaign, a candle-light peace vigil in memory of ‘Damini’ is to take place in Victoria Square in Birmingham on Thursday 3 January 2013, at 7pm.
The event will be attended by a number of interfaith leaders, media figures and speakers, with outdoor sky lanterns also being released. There will also be a minute’s silence.
“Now is our time to show solidarity and togetherness and pay our respects to an amazing young woman who endured an horrific attack in Delhi and sadly passed away,” added organiser Reena.
Supporters are also urged to continue using the hashtags #JusticeForDamini and #WeShallProtestViaTwitterAcrossTheGlobe to raise awareness and continue the pressure on Indian authorities.
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