People’s power: Participants speak up

Rohini Weerasinghe: A woman’s security and right to life is a fundamental right. Showing violence against women is showing violence against humanity. A misogynist society cannot sustain itself. I rise in the interest of our own survival and human race.

Chandra Jayaratne: The business community must take a lead role in eradicating all abuse and harassment happening in workplaces. This should be a corporate commitment.

Good Shepherd Sisters: We are rising because millions are being violated against their right. We want this to end; not tomorrow, but today.

Shaila Amalean: We women have a lot to do. We have to raise children to respect girls and women. We have to bring up boys who respect.

Anita and Anika: There is no other option than rising up and showing we are against this. It is a show of support for people who cannot speak up. It is a reminder for people to not hide behind their stories. There is no point saying shame on India when it is happening in large numbers here in Sri Lanka.

Ranjan Karunaratne: I think it’s about time violence against women reduced. The laws are archaic and the Ministers are not doing enough.

Shavanthi Jayasinghe: People like to believe it doesn’t happen, the victim is victimised. If a girl is pregnant after a rape, she is expected to carry it to full term. This is absurd.

Kim Goodwin and Ethel Wolfe: We rise because women should be able to live as freely as men; get on a bus without being touched, get married without fearing getting beaten up on weekends or raped by their husbands. She has a right to expect her children to be safe.

As for me [the writer of this piece], I am rising because I have two younger sisters and I don’t want anyone touching them inappropriately. I rise because my friends have beautiful daughters I don’t want to see in tears. I rise because there are enough stories to fill millions of books already.

I rise because I know. Because I have seen enough people going through this. Because every time we step out, someone always has something to say.

I rise because it is right. Because I should.

Join in and rise and speak up. Someone will always listen.