Ending violence against women – One play at a time! Analysing the effectiveness of Street theatre as a tool to combat violence against women – A Case study of Vanangana, a women’s organisation based in rural India

Murders and suicide of women due to the violence inflicted on them is a chilling reality of our society. What is a greater issue is the silence that surrounds it and acceptance of the violence. Despite a legal framework for the protection of women, number of cases of violence against women (VAW) filed keep increasing every year. Recognising the need for change in attitudes, this paper analyses the use of Street theatre in creating awareness and raising consciousness on the issue of VAW. The study is carried out using empirical data derived from observation of the audiences and from analysing the content of the plays. The paper shows the different techniques through which Vanangana, an organisation in the district of Chitrakoot uses street theatre to combat VAW. While this paper focuses on the need for consciousness raising initiatives and changing attitudes, it does not undermine the importance of legal framework for the protection of women.