CHENNAI: Empowering women is the best way to fight crime against women. And that’s what Chennai-based PENN (Protection & Empowerment of Naree) does. The registered trust works to prevent sexual violence against women and children using a range of methods, including self-defence training, gender sensitisation, arts-based empowerment and working closely with authorities.PENN commemorated its second anniversary on March 5 with the launch of its new advisory board, which includes S R Jangid IPS (DGP, retd, Tamil Nadu, and educationalist), Dr Kamala Selvaraj, chairperson, GG Hospitals; Justice Prabha Sridevan, retd judge – Madras High Court; Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian cricketer); Revathi, actor, director and social worker); D Sabitha, IAS, retd additional chief secretary; Caranatic vocalist P Unnikrishnan; and Dr Venkatraman, senior consultant – UNESCO.The PENN anthem, composed by lyricist, music director and trustee V Sriram Sharma and performed by renowned playback singer K S Chithra, who was also the chief guest at the event, and the video for the same was also launched on the occasion.PENN’s trustees — VS Sridhar, senior corporate leader who has been championing the cause of women’s safety since 2012; Sriram Sharma, theatre director, music composer, and playwright); Swarnalatha Mahesh, advocate specialising on woman and child safety; and Sathyan, entrepreneur, event management, music and art educator.Speaking on PENN’s work, trustee VS Sridhar said, “Sexual violence is a serious issue in India and the world. We came together to form PENN because we were alarmed by the increasing incidence of sexual abuse, violence against women & children in India. As per statistics (2020 ) of National Crime Records Bureau, across Country, every day, 77 women are raped , while 109 children are sexually abused, daily out of which 54% are boys. At PENN, we are committed to bringing about the societal change to prevent sexual abuse and violence against women and children. We eagerly look forward to bringing more activities to the general public
that sensitise, educate and empower.”