Chennai-based PENN (Protection & Empowerment of Naree)is a registered Trust working,
with a proactive approach, to prevent sexual violence againstwomen and children, using a
range of methods, including self-defense training, gendersensitisation, arts-based
empowerment and working closely with authorities. Theycommemorated their
second anniversary with a press meet and event on March 5th2022 at Welcomhotel Chennai. Singer Ms. K S Chitra wasthe Guest of Honour.
The event marked the launch of PENN’s new Advisory Board. Guests at the event
included eminent personalities who have joined the same,including Mr S.R. Jangid IPS (DGP –
Retd -Tamil Nadu, Educationalist), Dr. Kamala Selvaraj(Chairperson, GG Hospitals), Justice
Prabha Sridevan (Rtd Judge – Madras High Court), Mr.Ravichandran Ashwin (Indian
Cricketer), Ms. Revathi (Actor – Director- Social Worker), MsD. Sabitha, IAS (Additional
Chief Secretary- Retd), Mr P. Unnikrishnan (CarnaticVocalist), and Dr Venkatraman (Senior
Consultant – UNESCO). The PENN anthem, composed byLyricist, Music Director and Trustee
V. Sriram Sharma and performed by renowned playbacksinger , Padma Bhushan Ms. K.S.
Chithra (multiple National Awards Winner) and the video forthe same was launched.
PENN’s trustees are: Mr. VS Sridhar (Senior corporate leaderinvolved in the cause of
women’s safety since 2012), Mr. Sriram Sharma (theatredirector, music composer,
playwright), Ms. Swarnalatha Mahesh (advocate specialisingon woman and child safety)
and Mr. Sathyan (entrepreneur, event management, music andart educator).
Some of the activities that have been held since theorganisation’s inception include
community engagement programmes, Self Defense & CyberSecurity workshops at
Educational Institutions & Work places to prevent sexualabuse of women, children,
workshops on Prevention of Sexual Harassment ( PoSH ) incompanies, awareness creation
through musical theatre play on the legendary Velu Nachiyarby V Sriram Sharma,
collaboration with the Police Department on creatingawareness to prevent child marriage,
and social media campaigns to create awareness amongstaudience to prevent sexual
abuses. PENN continued its work, even during Covid times,through online engagement with
vulnerable communities.
Speaking on PENN’s work, trustee Mr. VS Sridhar says,“Sexual violence is a serious issue in
India and the world. We came together to form PENN becausewe 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 outof which 54% are boys.
At PENN, we are committed to bringing about the societalchange to prevent sexual abuse &
violence against Women & Children. We eagerly look forwardto bringing more activities to
the general public that sensitise, educate and empower.”
