South Asian Network Marches Against Gender-Based Violence

India-West Staff Reporter

ARTESIA, CA- South Asian Network (SAN) organized a silent protest across Pioneer Blvd in the heart of Little India, here, on August 10, to protest gender-based violence.

The protest was based on the horrific sexual assault case that occurred in Manipur in May 2023 against Kuki women by Meitei women. SAN was also standing in solidarity with the South Asian women in the United States who have lost their lives due to domestic violence.

The protest began at SAN’s office where the staff and attendees banded together in preparation before starting the march. On the road, marchers said it was a powerful experience walking together as women and advocating for women’s rights. People driving by honked in support.

During the protest, Harsirat Kaur, the Community Organizer at SAN; Riffat Rahman, the Program Manager for SAN’s Gender-Based Violence; and a SAN client gave accounts on the need for supporting women’s rights and ending domestic violence. Kaur urged all that could hear to not let domestic violence be normalized. “It should not be something that is normal in our daily lives. There is a solution, and there just needs to be a space created for it,” said Kaur.

Rahman told those gathered, touching upon the support SAN offers, stating, “If you know anyone who is suffering in silence regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, please reach out to us. We can support you.”

The client reflected on the fact that gender-based violence is a sad reality in most South Asian households.

As per the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women around the world has experienced sexual or physical violence at least once in their lifetimes.