Exclusive: Jersey City, NJ – On October 5, 2024, Hudson Speaks Against Sexual Violence, through its “Bolo Behen” South Asian initiative, hosted the 7th Annual Red Saree Event to raise awareness on domestic and sexual violence within the South Asian community. Held in Jersey City, this signature event brought together key stakeholders, activists, and public figures, underscoring the importance of community involvement in combating these issues.
The event featured notable speeches, with Hudson Speaks’ Program Director Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar opening the ceremony. Dr. Pariyar emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to prevent sexual and domestic violence, particularly within culturally diverse communities.
Hudson Speaks’ Crisis Coordinator, Maria Elaine Evia, provided insights into the organization’s support services.
Council President of City of Jersey City, Joyce Waterman, delivered the keynote address, urging attendees to speak out and stand united against gender-based violence.
Other distinguished guest speakers included New Jersey State Senator Angela V. McKnight; Mussab Ali, former President of Jersey City Board of Education; Felicia Nicole Gant, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Women & Children, State of NJ; Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Captain Javier Toro; Sherry Singh, Member of Women’s Board, City of Jersey City; Robert Baran, Co-Director of New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJ CASA); Tonie Castello, Project Specialist of City of Jersey City Health & Human Services, Denise Fernandes, President of Women Economic Forum, New Jersey; Mussab Ali, Jersey City Mayoral candidate; Akhanda Bhandari, Editor-in-Chief of Annapurna Post Daily; Sarala Timalsena, President of Women for Cause (WFC); Renu Sharma Sapkota, former President of Women for Cause (WFC); Krishna Adhikari, General Secretary of Greater New Jersey Nepali Samaj, and Melisha Gurung, Coordinator of Gurung (Tamu) Students Club, New
York who collectively reinforced the importance of vigilance and advocacy.
Other distinguished guests who attended were- Trisha Lacy, Contract Administrator, Department of Law, Public Safety, Division of Administration, NJ State Attorney General Office; Nowel Williams, Finance Director, Behavioral Health Services, CarePoint Health; Kelly Klinger, New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJ CASA); Solange Ramkissoon, Survivor Services Specialist, New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJ CASA); Kendra Hyland, FNE Coordinator, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office; Rashmika Wesley, Detective, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office; Julia Medina, Detective, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office; Stacey Lea Flanagan, Director, Health & Human Services, City of Jersey City; Om Bishwokarma, President, Gorkha Samaj New York; Mahesh Malla, President, Greater New Jersey Nepali Samaj; Basanti Rai, President, Nepali American Artists Association; Muna Rai, former President, United Kirat Rai Organization of America; Mekh Gurung, former President, Gurung (Tamu) Society of New York.
The event was moderated by Hudson Speaks’ consultants Hira (Ashika) Kandel and Pradeep Thapa.
The event was also a cultural celebration, featuring performances by celebrated Nepali artists. Beautiful dance performances were presented by Senior Nepali choreographer Shiva BK, Kabina Singh, Usha Lama, Sarita Tamang, Simran Adhikari, Ushika BK and Urbarshi BK while senior Nepali fork singer Chandra Sharma, Bimal Dangi, Nisha Sunar, Sangita Thapa Magar and Sarita Dangi entertained the audience with their beautiful songs.
In addition, Akhanda Bhandari’s second novel, Bora, based on a poignant true story, was released at the event by Nepali grandmothers.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy sent a special message of support, highlighting the value of cultural diversity and the continued impact of the Red Saree event in fostering inclusivity in the Garden State.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
P.O. BOX 001
TRENTON
08625
(609) 292-6000
PHILIP D. MURPHY
GOVERNOR
TAMMY S. MURPHY
FIRST LADY
October 5, 2024
Dear Friends,
It is with great pleasure to welcome all those celebrating the Boho Behen's 7h annual signature Red Saree Event.
The Boho Behen is an initiative of Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S Against Sexual Violence in Jersey City. This important Red Saree event, hosted by the Boho Behen initiative, was established to create a safe space for South Asian women with a full range of culturally sensitive and language specific information, support services, and advocacy. The observance of cultural events in New Jersey recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and community ultimately creating a village of inclusivity that enhances the Garden State and makes it a much better place to live, work, and start a family.
This yearly signature event serves as an opportune time to commemorate the cultural heritage, food, festivities, and traditions of South Asia. As the First lady of the State of New Jersey, I am inspired by the mission and impact of events as such, and I commend the Boho Behen for its organization of such experience. I look forward to the continuation of such an important and tradition with this year's annual Red Saree event.
Best wishes to all for a successful and memorable event.
My very best,
Tammy S. Murphy
First Lady
Hudson Speaks’ Program Director Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar was also honored by Women Economic Forum, New Jersey for social advocacy and contributions.
The event concluded with a culinary showcase of traditional Nepali and South Asian dishes, further celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Bolo Behen (Speak Sister) offers free services for South Asian women in Hudson County who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence with mission to create a safe space with a full range of culturally sensitive and language-specific information, support services and advocacy.
HUDSON SPEAKS is a sexual assault prevention, intervention and after care center in Hudson County, New Jersey.
The mission of Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S Against Sexual Violence is to create safer communities centered on supporting the survivor’s healing. Our strength is in our commitment to be inclusive, with intentional strategies to welcome and uplift marginalized identities within our community and organization. We strive to empower individuals and elevate the voices of survivors through diversity initiatives, culturally relevant advocacy, and trauma-informed direct services. We value inclusion, belonging, and equity for all.
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