Mangalore : Hundreds of women took part in a silent march to protest against atrocities on women. Women, both young and old, dressed in pink walked in unison and pledged to fight against atrocities on women in the society. The event was organised by the Forum Against Atrocities on Women (FAAW) along with like-minded organisations. A huge inflatable pink slipper that was taken around during the procession  symbolized the strength of women who can fight against atrocities.

Flavia Agnes, noted women’s activist spoke on the need to sensitize the society to fight crime against women. She said the brutal gang rape of a young student in a Delhi bus has created an awakening in the society on the need to fight this heinous crime.

Dr Derek Lobo, President of Catholic Association of South Canara Dr Derek Lobo  stressed the need to bring about a change in the attitude and mindsets of people.

A street play was performed by the students of St Aloysius College, depicting instances of sexual assault on women. A candle-light vigil was held wherein the gathering pledged not to accept, allow or tolerate injustice and also promised to fight against atrocities committed on women.

Members of an NGO ‘Breakthrough’ actively participated in the march and meeting, and were also instrumental in preparing the giant slipper along with two foreign youths Arthur from Hungary and Tillie from France.

AICC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes and Vinay Kumar Sorake, social  activist  Vidya Dinker, Suresh Bhat Bakrabail and several others were present.