ATTWI kicked off the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence on 25 Nov 2024 at a solemn observance that included the symbolic “The Red Chair” campaign.
A group of ordained women set the tone for the observance by leading the gathering in feminist songs of struggle and resistance to sexism and casteism, to the accompaniment of the ‘parai’ drum.
The President of ATTWI provided the historic background of the Mirabal Sisters whose resistance to a dictatorial regime made them symbols of feminist resistance, and whose murder came to be observed as the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” – the day that kicks off the commemoration of the 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence each year globally. She reiterated that as theologically educated women we had the responsibility to “challenge the attitudes that perpetuate, rationalise and normalise GBV and deny women’s right to safety and respect.”
The gathered women then reflected on the forms of gender-based violence in Tamil Nadu, it’s causes, and manifestations. The systemic roots of the pandemic of gender-based violence, specifically violence against women and children, that we are faced with today was highlighted with facts and figures.
Stories of survivors of domestic violence, abuse, and gender-based violence from news reports from across India were shared and the women gathered listened with heavy hearts and burning indignation at the brutality of the crimes against women and girls, and the impunity that perpetrators exhibit!
The center-piece of the entire observance was the “Red Chair.” The Red Chair Project, a part of the 16 Days campaign observances, is adapted from a very successful campaign in French evangelical churches called “Une place pour Elles” – “A Place For Them.” (https://www.uneplacepourelles.fr/).
“This action involves reserving a chair with a sign highlighting facts about domestic violence and placed in a public space. The empty chair serves as a visual symbol of the lives lost to gender-based violence.The goal of this simple but effective call to action is to individually and collectively speak out for the women and girls who have lost their lives to violence, in a way that is appropriate for each individual’s country, community, and/or organization.”
Theologically trained women of the North Tamil Nadu Region who had gathered in Chennai and participated in this solemn observance, placed on the Red Chair names of survivors of gender based violence, and thoughts reflecting their agony at the lives lost to domestic abuse and violence, along with words of commitment.
This deeply moving act of remembrance and commitment was was followed by sharing from the women present about how theologically trained women can, and must, intervene in faith spaces to end the cycle of domestic violence and gender-based violence within the church. The gathering affirmed the call of the Red Chair project that gender justice requires that we intentionally work with faith leaders & communities of faith to achieve true, systemic change. The gathering also affirmed that Churches can help end gender-based violence and theologically educated women, many of whom serve in ordained ministry and other leadership roles within the Church, have an important role in intervening to end this cycle of systemic violence both within the Church and in society.
The Regional Secretary of ATTWI- Tamil Nadu region, summarised the mood in the room and said that even as theologically educated women we ourselves were still unable to name the different forms of violence – both systemic and individual – that we are subjugated to, live with, and are unable to process or dismantle. Some of the women gathered also shared practical ideas from their own pastoral experience at the grassroots that could be effective strategies to combat the evil of gender injustice. These practical reflections showcased how women in ministerial roles were indeed “doing” theology, and challenging their intergenerational congregations to break the harmful stereotypes and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequity, to move congregations towards gender justice.
This observance of “the Red Chair – A Place for them,” will, we hope, be replicated in different locations in India wherever theologically trained women will gather over the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence this year.
