Vigil for Abhaya: Community United Against Gender-Based Violence  

On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, Saheli hosted a poignant Vigil in Burlington, MA, to honor the memory of Abhaya, a young medical student from Kolkata whose life was brutally taken by a heinous act of violence. The event united community members and partner organizations such as IAGB, IAB, and IMANE in a collective stand against gender-based violence. It was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for justice, healing, and advocacy for survivors.

The evening began with heartfelt speeches from community leaders and advocates, each reinforcing the critical importance of supporting survivors and demanding justice. Dr. Sonali Khond, President of IMANE, emphasized the need to "start by believing" survivors, reminding attendees that supporting victims begins with faith in their stories. A touching poetry reading by Poppy Charnalia created moments of deep reflection, while a moving dance performance by the mother-daughter duo Moumita Banerjee and Medhanshi Bhowmick embodied the resilience of women. Their performance, dedicated to justice for Abhaya, was an inspiring call for women to be fearless, believe in themselves, and discover their true identity.

Dr. Abha Agarwal, CEO of Lawrence General Hospital, delivered a powerful speech on the essential role that communities must play in combating violence against women, further strengthening the call for collective action. Attendees, dressed in black ribbons as a sign of solidarity, lit candles to symbolize hope and healing. Together, they took a pledge to continue the fight for a safer, more just world for all survivors of gender-based violence.

This Vigil was more than just a tribute to Abhaya; it was a call to action. It highlighted the staggering scale of gender-based violence. According to World Health Organization, 2021 report, 736 million women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence. In the U.S, 1 in 3 women have faced sexual violence, and half of all murdered women are killed by intimate partners. Studies show that 40-60% of South Asian women in the U.S. have experienced some form of domestic violence. South Asian women face barriers to reporting violence due to cultural stigmas, immigration-related pressures, and family control.

The event urged the community to break these silences, challenge patriarchal norms, and advocate for gender justice. Attendees pledged to learn, support survivors, challenge harmful traditions, and actively engage in the fight for gender equality.

As the evening drew to a close, the Vigil concluded with a solemn moment of silence for Abhaya and countless other women who have lost their lives to violence. With candles held high, the community reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to breaking the silence and ending gender-based violence.

Saheli extends its heartfelt gratitude to all community members who showed up in large numbers to support this mission. A special thanks to TV Asia and our media partners for elevating this message and helping it reach far and wide.

Together, we stand for justice. Together, we will break the silence.

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