CWS wants to raise $2,000 for International Women’s Day on March 8 so EKTA can make the city of Madurai safer for women. 
EKTA is playing a key role in taking the campaign to the streets.  After careful research by young college students, they have their eyes on one of the city’s main bus shelters as the starting point.   With extra funding they will be able to expand their campaign.  Can you help them by making a donation to the EKTA Appeal or by sharing this appeal with others?
EKTA released the results on V-Day, February 14, an international day of action for women and girls.  The report has created interest and media attention.  The authorities immediately visited the bus shelter and have instructed the police to be more vigilant.  EKTA wants it fixed with a dedicated space for women.  We want to boost their funding so they have the money to extend the safety audit of Madurai and do what is needed to make Madurai safe.  International Women’s Day is a big day for them and we are asking for your help. 
The Periya bus shelter is unsafe.  Rubbish lies in all the corners, even blocking the way to the toilets.  The toilet doors don’t have locks and the disabled toilet is not open.  At night many lights do not work and during frequent power cuts a whole section of the shelter is in darkness.   The pathways are broken, the help desk often closed and signs illegible or non-existent.  Resident alcoholics can also be intimidating. It is not a place where women feel safe especially at night or when there are few other women around.
V-Day is an annual event of the global movement  One Billion Rising demanding an end to the violence that according to the UN affects one in three women or girls in their lifetimes.  Women are breaking the silence and finding new energy to make their homes and communities safer.  Dance is an energising force for change and testimony to the strength that women have when they Strike, Dance, Rise. 
EKTA has a long history of working on gender justice through programmes in schools, colleges and development programmes.  Watch their You Tube clips to see their side of the story.
Make a gift to help improve women’s safety in South India.   If 40 people donate $50 we will meet our goal.  Click here if you can or send a donation to marked EKTA Appeal to CWS, PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8140.