YMCA Madurai, India Observance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 December 2025 12:48)
YMCA Madurai, India
Observance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Photo Gallery (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZBAZEp4Xv-E13cLXo_FN-jdDdezdSUJu?usp=drive_link)
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender – Based Violence is an organizing strategy for individuals and organizations around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of gender based violence against women and to raise awareness on gender based issues. Every year it is observed from 25th November- the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to the 10th December- the Human Rights Day.
The Gender Concerns Committee of YMCA Madurai, India organized various activities as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This year, the focus was on visiting institutions/homes working for the children and women who are the victims of gender based violence. The planned events aimed to spread awareness, provide education on health and hygiene, engaging and entertaining the communities through cultural, educational, and motivational activities.
I. Visit to Association of Arulagam – A Home for Destitute Women in Madurai
Members of the YMCA Gender Concerns Committee and the Staff of YMCA Madurai visited the Association of Arulagam, A home for destitute girls and young women on the 29th November 2025. 42 women who come from abusive marriages, prison, widowhood and victims of HIV/Aids are given home, counseling, education, skills training and loving care. We, the YMCA members spent quality time at the home by engaging them in various games, fun activities and entertained them with cultural programmes performed by special children at the YMCA Madurai. Dr. Janet Vasanthakumari, Chairperson, Women Concern Desk shared about the 16 Days of Activism and the purpose of visit. The residents felt very happy and enjoyed the day very much.
II. Visit to Inba Illam – A Home for the Aged
As part of the 16 days observance against Gender Based Violence, the Gender Concerns Committee and the Staff of YMCA Madurai visited the Inba Illam - A Home for the Aged Madurai on 29th November 2025. 40 senior citizens both men and women are provided with compassionated elderly care, assisted living and safe environment at free of cost at the home. The YMCA team organized several interactive and engaging activities to bring joy and encouragement to the elderly residents. Ms. J. Shamila Doris, General Secretary, welcomed the gathering. Ms. Judith Kirubakaram, Member of the Gender Concerns Committee greeted them with a special song. Special children from YMCA entertained the residents through vibrant dance performances. Fun games and recreational activities were organized by Ms. Sofia and Ms.Priya which triggered their old memories and amused their second childhood. It also gave an opportunity for the senior citizens to showcase their skills in singing and damsharas.
III. Art Competition for the Orphaned Girls on the topic “Me and My Environment”
YMCA Madurai conducted an art competition on the topic “Me and My Environment for 28 girls at the Birds Nest Foundation and 21 girls at the YWCA Kirubai Illam, both homes for the less privileged and orphaned girls on 30th November 2025. They participated with much enthusiasm and interest and brought out various suggestions to preserve nature, the mother earth through their art. The drawings were evaluated by Ms. Thenmozhi and Team, Art and Craft Trainers, SS Training Institute Madurai. The winners were recognized and awarded with gifts.
IV. Awareness Program on Health and Hygiene for the Adolescent Girls
As part of the 16 days observance against Gender Based Violence, the Gender Concerns Committee organized an awareness program on ‘Health and Hygiene’ for the girls from the Birds Nest Foundation and YWCA Kirubai Illam on 3rd December 2025. Dr. Nandhini, MBBS, General Physician, DK Clinic was the Guest speaker. She shared the tips to maintain a sound Physical, mental and social health. She also talked about regular hand washing, bathing, oral care, and menstrual hygiene which was highly beneficial for the girls. Special students from the YMCA special school for the Hearing Impaired performed dances to entertain them and fun activities were conducted. The Chairperson and the members of the Gender Concerns Committee participated and encouraged the girls.
V.Thursdays in Black Campaign
As part of the global movement advocating a world free from rape and violence, Thursdays in Black was observed across all YMCA Madurai projects on 27th November 2025 and 3rd December 2025. Staff wore black to express solidarity and raise awareness for a violence-free society.
VI. Visit to Claretian Mercy Home for the Deserted Infants and Old people
To commemorate the final day of 16 days of observance against Gender Based Violence, the Gender Concerns Committee and staff of YMCA Madurai visited the Claretian Mercy Home for the Deserted Infants and Old people on 10th December 2025, which is also the Human Rights Day. Initiated as the battle against female infanticide, this home currently offers home for infants and babies who are at risk of being killed by their own parents. The home welcomes just born babies of unwed mothers through the District child protection wing and offers excellent motherly care by the dedicated nuns and care takers and facilitates the adoption of these infants in worthy homes. The home also offers free care and assisted living for 28 people who are aged and sick. We, the YMCA members spent quality time at the home by engaging them in various games, fun activities and entertained them with cultural programmes performed by special children at the YMCA Madurai.
The above activities created meaningful awareness among the YMCA staff on the challenges and struggles faces by the female gender from birth till death. It was heartbreaking to see the young infants as victims of gender based violence and being stigmatized as orphans for which they are not responsible. The 16 day of observance was indeed an eye opener and the valuable time spend at the homes was highly rewarding and satisfying.
Our special thanks to Dr. Janet Vasanthakumari, Chairperson, Gender Concern Desk, YMCA Madurai, Fr.J.Benadict Barnabas, President, Members of the Committee, staff members, special children who have made this 16 day of observance highly effective and meaningful. We are also thankful to the institutions who have welcomed us to entertain and engage their residents. Our Special thanks to the APAY for the inspiration and guidance.
‘We pray that the world should be free of gender based violence and victimization’
Ms.J.Shamila Doris
General Secretary
YMCA Madurai, India