Green is said to symbolize prosperity and health. A group of 14,000-odd women draped themselves in green saris and are reflecting on a notion across the six districts of Eastern UP. Popularly known as 'Green Gang'. This group started some eight years back with a group of 10-15 women from Ramasipur Village in the Varanasi district. All of them were concerned with the same issue of domestic violence by their husbands on account of over-alcoholism and gambling.

Initially...the movement was small but now it has modified itself into an organized movement. This movement aims to bring out reforms in the ways of men. This program was integrated with 'Mission Shakti' which aims at the empowerment of women. Now as a result of this program, many men have shunned their two vices. Their mode of operation is very simple and direct. The Green Gang members organize their headquarters in the fringes of the towns around places where these men indulge in such activities. They raid the spots, destroy play cards and smash the liquor bottles

This program is successful in reducing the incidents of domestic violence, eve-teasing, child marriage, and female foeticide.

The leader of Green Gang (Geeta Devi) narrates her suffering and that she was ready to end her life as she had given up on her husband. As she was running to plunge into the river in an attempt to end her life, she was stopped by Divyanshu Upadhyay, a member of Hope Welfare Trust, a group of students working together to check social evils. The members of the trust decided to help such women. Basic literacy and martial art lessons to women and raise pride in them by educating them about the glorious struggle of women in the past. Geeta then contacted other women and encouraged them to stand up against the injustice. Liquor bottles and playing cards were like kind of banned. The women then decided to don green sarees and started carrying batons for their self-defense.

Initially, the villagers mocked them, but with time they gained recognition. A time came when these addicts started fearing the green color. Cases of domestic violence were reported to the police authorities. Men also appreciate the efforts of the gang in transforming their lives. Problems cropped up in the beginning, but were later cooped up.

Every member of the gang had contacts of the nearest police station for assistance in the event of any emergencies. Celebration of the birth of 'girl child' is also a part of the trend. It also emphasized on issues of sustainable development, such as ecological crises, soil erosion, and global warming, etc.

Reference:-

• thenewsindianexpress.com

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