Godfrey Phillips Zonal Bravery Awards for Bhanwari Devi

Noted social activist and a rape victim Bhanwari Devi, who hogged the limelight fighting for justice and shaping women’s movement in Rajasthan, was chosen as a recipient of the Godfrey Phillips Zonal Bravery Awards 2011 on Tuesday. She was among the 11 to get the award. In a glittering ceremony held at a five-star hotel, Devi was honoured with a medal and a certificate for excellence in creating awareness on women’s issues in rural areas. She received the award in the category of Social Bravery.
Her active involvement in raising voice against child marriage and women’s rights made her a victim of rape in 1992. Despite facing social boycott and life threats, she continued seeking justice and working for women’s rights. She worked as a ‘sathin’ or a grassroot worker in Bhateri in Bassi near Jaipur. She spent time mobilising village women to fight against social evils like female infanticide, child marriage and domestic violence, besides educating them on government policies and schemes.