One Billion Rising 2024: Rising for Freedom, Shaping the New World

One Billion Rising 2024: Rising for Freedom, Shaping the New World

February 14, 2024

Celebrating a decade of empowerment lead by Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, the One Billion Rising Movement in Kolkata marked its 10th anniversary on February 14, 2024, at Loreto Elliot Road School. This year’s theme, “RISE FOR FREEDOM, BE THE NEW WORLD,” echoes a powerful call to break free from the chains of patriarchy and its various offshoots.

On Valentine’s Day, the movement embraced the spirit of love, spreading a message of unity, acceptance, and liberation for all. The campaign focused on multifaceted freedoms, encompassing the liberation of women to unite, weave new dreams, choose their sexuality, and break free from societal divisions.

Key highlights of One Billion Rising 2024:

1. “Freedom of Unity:” Empowering women to unite and stand strong against the constraints of societal norms.
2. “Dream Weaving:” Encouraging the freedom to envision and pursue new dreams, unbound by limitations.
3. “Sexual Freedom:” Advocating for the freedom to recognise and choose one’s sexuality without judgment or restraint.
4. “Casteism Liberation:” Striving for freedom from the shackles of casteism, promoting equality and inclusion.
5. “Message of Love:” Propagating the freedom to spread love everywhere, transcending boundaries and prejudices.
6. “Creating a New World:” Women’s freedom to be architects of change, shaping a new world that promotes equality, justice, and freedom.
7. “Rights for Disabled Citizens:” Advocating for the freedom of rights for disabled citizens, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
8. “Full Citizenship for Minority Communities:” Striving for the freedom for minority communities to become full citizens, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusiveness.

One Billion Rising 2024 is not just a movement; it’s a year of inspiration and aspiration. It envisions a world where women transcend societal norms, stepping into leadership roles, shaping policies, and becoming architects of change. The year was marked by storytelling, community building, solidarity strengthening, dream sharing, artistic expression, and dancing.

As the movement continues, the focus remains on envisioning and creating new ways of being, living, loving, and connecting. It’s about raising consciousness and deepening understanding, ensuring that freedom and the future are rooted in truth, love, community, earth, and body. One Billion Rising 2024 signifies a commitment to a world where every individual is free to flourish and contribute to a future filled with equality and justice.