Meet Abdul Sabur, a student of commerce in his third year at P.C Roy University. His passion for theatre got him involved in the movement to stop violence against women.

He has been with Rupantar, a campaign ally, since 2001 as part of their cultural team Jatrapur Theatre. In 2004, he was trained in gender equality and violence against women and came to Bagerhaat to join the local cultural team Shishu Angan. “I am genuinely interested in social work associated with culture, especially in making change and raising awareness. It is very important to spread the message and theater is a very potent way to accomplish that. I interact with at least 30,000 people through the drama shows. I know that at least some of them leave with an enhanced sense of awareness about gender and violence against women.”

This young man has worked with more than 30 families to reduce violence against women, some have already changed and some are in the process. “I speak about this issue to my classmates and colleagues, both boys and girls. At first they always deny that any such matter exists. In the beginning they tease me, but I am strong it does not affect me. I tell them it is no laughing matter. Now I think some of them have slowly begun to understand and begin to change their attitudes. I don’t know if they challenge their own families or will in the future but I do believe they are changing within. I think that the young generation is more open to change than the older generation; this is because the older generation has already been severely conditioned by the entrenched patriarchal system. The younger generation must be targeted through the cultural programs and other venues. I can see change happening that way.”