An award winning media professional from Wolverhampton who has launched a campaign raising awareness on issues of rape and abuse in India is holding a vigil in Bham in memory of the Delhi Gang Rape victim, ‘Damini’ on the 1st anniversary of her death.
Reena Combo, an entertainment editor, decided to convene a campaign calling for justice following a horrific assault on a female bus passenger in the Indian city of Delhi on December 16th in 201, which has drawn international outrage.
Reena has since been campaigning for many women and young girls to raise awareness on issues of rape and abuse all over India.
An earlier vigil which attracted over 250 people making both National and International news was arranged in January 2013 in memory of the young woman, and now Reena has taken it on herself once again to hold another event one year on to keep the fight for justice going.
The passenger, a 23-year-old medical student – who has been dubbed ‘Damini’, was set upon by a gang of six intoxicated men, including a joy riding bus driver. She was then raped repeatedly for over an hour and received serious internal injuries after being sexually abused by a metal rod.
Following the attack on the passenger and her male friend, rallies were staged across the world calling for those in charge to take responsibility. Protests have highlighted gender attitudes in India, and called for changes to laws on rape and violence against women.
In the Midlands, local activist Reena Combo has taken it on herself to raise as much awareness as possible for many ‘Damini’s out there. Having been inspired by the Delhi Gang Rape victim and realising the need for awareness and support she is now also in the process of setting up an organisation called ‘Damini’.
‘My life has taken on a new role. I am truly dedicated to raising awareness on issues of rape and abuse in India, and setting up a support a network in the UK to help many Asian women who suffer in silence in the UK too. The vigil on the 29th December is being held on the day ‘Damini’ passed away to honour and remember her. She may not be here anymore but she can be a silent voice for so many other oppressed women in India and other countries.”
Following the huge response to Reena’s campaign, another candle-light peace vigil in memory of ‘Damini’ is to take place in Victoria Square in Birmingham on Sunday 29th December 2013 at 5.30pm.
The event will be attended by a number of interfaith leaders, media figures, local Asian celebrities and speakers. Candles will be lit and there will also be a minute’s silence in ‘Damini’s memory.
“Over 250 attended to show solidarity and support in January. I would love to double that this time and show India and the justice system there that even here across the globe we are standing strong to support women who are being raped daily in India. Damini’s parents are still awaiting justice, and it’s important that we all keep that fight going. It doesn’t matter where we are in the world, if we keep raising the awareness we can make a big difference.” added organiser Reena.
Reena’s fight for justice and raising awareness has been recognised nationally as she was awarded Media Professional of the Year in October this year at the Asian Media Awards.
