On 25th Jan. or the eve of India’s republic day, women joined the World Social Forum’s Global Week of Action by organising their own event in the heart of Mumbai, India.
The event entitled ‘And Women also Fly Kites’ highlighted women’s issues. Women sent a message that as women we have a right to work, to health, and education. They will resist gender discrimination. They demanded that public places be safe for women at all times. Violence against women is a human right violation and women called on the government and concerned agencies to work towards the elimination of all types of violence.
Secondly, there is a symbolic meaning attached to this action. Kite flying is associated with boys and men. By flying kites, women are asserting their right to equality and the use of maidans for sports. It questions masculine stereotypes, which deprive women of the many benefits of games.
A kite symbolizes freedom; it defines its own boundaries and goals. It is a fitting symbol of women’s search and struggle for confidence, equality and dignity.
The program was jointly organised by women’s movement organisation along with community organisations from different working class colonies of mumbai.