WRI is constantly campaigning on the issue of war free society and recognising the human rights of every citizen to refuse to associate in anything relates to war. Swadhina subscribe to the notion of WRI that "War is a Crime against Humanity".

Swadhina Secretary Saswati Roy, long-term associate Diptendu Mukerji and youth representative Subhadip Mukerji attended WRI events from time to time in different global campaign in Germany, France, Croatia, Brazil, Afrika, UK,Switzerland, Philippines and Italy.

Violence against women occurs in every society - rich or poor - having different forms of manifestation. One of the crudest forms of violence is the one, which takes place subtly and is sanctioned in the name of culture. Cultural beliefs and practices draw a very negative image of women who are to be suppressed and domesticated, which we all accept unconditionally. Such deliberate subjugation of women is pure violence and negation of human rights.

Through different activities at different places we have involved a large number of people - women, men and children. Encouraged them to think about women's status in the society, acknowledge and appreciate the important role women play at home and outside. Thereby break the myth, as projected and nurtured by our culture that women are the burden to be possessed, dominated and subjugated.

Here we share with you a brief report on those.

To raise awareness on the issue, Swadhina observes 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence on varied theme for `Creating a Culture that says No to Violence against Women'. Initiated by Global Leadership Programme of Rutgers University (USA) this campaign is observed annualy from 25 November to 10 December.As a part of our Non-violence and Social Empowerment effort we highlight on how the Culture of Sub-ordination foster and perpetuate the cycle of violence in women's life and prevent them to celebrate life fully and freely.A girl has to fit in the culturally defined role - be at home or outside. Opposing this prevalent concept of women as a burden, commodity or property, there is need to focus on the positive images of women, which go mostly unrecognized in our society. This culture of sub-ordination has to be challenged and denounced as violence towards the greater goal of women's empowerment.

During the campaign Support Badges are worn throughout the Fortnight from 25 November to 10 December 2002 as a gesture of support towards the cause. Along with each badge a bilingual leaflet explaining why the Fortnight is being observed is distributed. The use of such badges in a small town and villages is quite effective in creating awareness on the issue.Women's Rally is an essential part of this campaign where women from the neighbouring villages participate holding posters on peace and violence against women.

In Calcutta the annual theme workshop in a auditorium is a regular feature. While village representive present their case studies there are invariably street theatre, group songs and dances presented by Swadhina slum groups.