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November 25, 2022, marks the UN’s International Day to End Violence Against Women. This yr, ISKCON’s Vaishnavi Ministry will be part of the UN’s world 16 days of activism towards gender-based violence
As Vaishnavas, we’re mandated by our scriptures and custom to guard the weak and people positioned in our love and care, together with “the brāhmaṇas, the cows, the ladies, the kids, and the outdated males” [Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.5 Purport]. Abuse in any kind is a extreme violation of the important practices of Krishna consciousness and Vaishnava tradition. Vaishnava tradition requires cultivating qualities comparable to mercy, self-discipline, and compassion. Abuse undermines and destroys these qualities.
According to Srila Prabhupada, one of many functions of ISKCON is to deliver devotees nearer to “one another and nearer to Krsna”, and to determine that every soul is a component and parcel of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” Inherent on this function, are the values of neighborhood, inclusivity, belonging, acceptance, and the cultivation of loving relationships. The existence of gender-based violence inside our communities limits our skill to attain Srila Prabhupada’s imaginative and prescient.
Nearly 1 in 3 girls have been abused of their lifetime and ISKCON communities additionally undergo from home abuse. In occasions of disaster, these numbers rise, as seen through the COVID-19 pandemic and up to date humanitarian crises, conflicts, and local weather disasters. While the pandemic of violence towards girls shouldn’t be new, it’s not inevitable, except we keep silent. Therefore, in cooperation with the UN, the ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry goals to boost consciousness in regards to the concern of gender-based violence from the attitude of our teachings as introduced by the Srila Prabhupada and our Gaudiya Vaishnava Acaryas.
Join us from 25 November to 10 December the place we’ll talk about gender-based violence and home abuse, ISKCON’s official insurance policies to fight such abuse, and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings on how devotees ought to deal with one another. You can comply with the marketing campaign on ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry’s Facebook and YouTube channel.
The panel discussions that shall be posted are:
Date: 25 November
Topic: Why Preventing Domestic Abuse is a vital dialog for ISKCON
Panelists: Mahatma das (ACBSP); Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP); Anuttama das (ACBSP)
Date: 29 November
Topic: Understanding the Psychology of Abuse
Panellists: Caitanya-lila devi dasi and Citi-Sakti devi dasi
Date: 3 December
Topic: How to Support Victims of Domestic Abuse
Topic: Rambhoru devi dasi (ACBSP) and Keshava Madhava das
Date: 10 December
Topic: Domestic Abuse is Not Just a Women’s Issue
Panellists: Partha das (ACBSP); Uttama devi dasi (ACBSP); Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP); Shuba Vilas das and Radharani devi dasi
The co-sponsors of this marketing campaign are:
ISKCON Communications Ministry
ISKCON Congregational Development
ISKCON Justice Ministry
ISKCON HEARTS
Grihasta Vision Team
IFAST
Karuna Care Education
Sadhvi Sanga
Find a replica of the GBC decision towards Domestic Abuse right here: https://gbc.iskcon.org/domestic-abuse-policy/
Additional sources:
https://karunacare.iskcon.org/get-help/
https://vaisnavafamilyresources.org/en/resources/domestic-abuse/
The world 🌎 is popping orange 🧡 to face towards gender-based violence. Let’s kick off the #16Days of Activism and #OrangeTheWorld!
