Today, nearly 500 men and women from different walks of life gathered at the CSI All Souls Church on Race Course to participate in the candle light march to protest the recent brutal rape and murder of Jisha in Kerala. The silent protest was organized by Ver Organization a, Coimbatore-based NGO.

The women participants held place cards with messages like ‘Real men don’t rape,’ ‘stop abuse against women,’ ‘Say no to rape’ and ‘Stop child harassment.’ The peaceful protest was flagged off at CSI All Souls Church. Participants held candles in their hands and walked along the Race Course Road. On reaching the Coimbatore Cosmopolitan Club, the group took a u-turn and reached the church.

“Several participants offered flowers, and we said a prayer for Jisha. Men took an oath that they will not encourage or indulge in activities that could cause harm to women. The women participants too took an oath that they will be humans,” P. Santhosh, secretary of Ver Organization said.

Following the recent rape and murder of the woman in Kerala, the NGO has shifted its attention to raising awareness about abuse against women. Volunteers associated with Ver Organization will visit schools in the city to talk about abuse, harassment, and violence. As part of agenda, girl students in schools will be trained in the basics of self defence.