Inpbaraja who is as yet in school participated in the comics material development workshop in Polunarruwa recently. The aim of the workshop was to help participants use comics for communicating ideas on gender discrimination and violence. During the workshop, Inpbaraja commented that a husband is justified in beating his wife if she disobeys him. The other participants reasoned with him and explained that violence cannot be justified -- whatever the circumstances be. They argued that all forms of violence against women degrade not only the victim but the perpetrator as well. Those who inflict violence on women are themselves, they said, among the casualties of power-based systems. And, violence affects everyone at home, particularly children.

This concept was new to Inbraja. “I found it extremely difficult to accept this theory. I thought at length about what the participants were saying. After turning it around in my mind for a long time, I had to admit they were correct. I was extremely taken aback at first as I was so convinced I was right and I was not willing to accept their views. This has been a defining moment for me. “

The participants saw a new Inbraja for the next three days. He became far more active in the workshop and came up with an excellent story for the comic strip. It showed that he had indeed gained an insight into the issue. The fact that he even staged impromptu plays to explain how a woman can bring change in a violent husband shows that he is convinced about eliminating disharmony and violence in homes.