The Hindu : New Delhi News : `Women's movement cannot grow without participation of poor'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 13, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

`Women's movement cannot grow without participation of poor'

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) vice-president Brinda Karat on Sunday said the women's movement cannot grow unless a large number of poor women participate in it.

Speaking on the occasion of 25th anniversary of AIDWA at Vithalbhai Patel House here, Ms. Karat said: "Women need to fight against caste oppression. Unfortunately, women are target of neo-liberal policies. At a macro level, some sensitivity towards women should be shown in the budget."

Ms. Karat, who was the general secretary of AIDWA for several years, highlighted the organisation's understanding of the issues concerning women. She appreciated the fact that professionals like lawyers have been working at the AIDWA's secretariat for the past 25 years without any motive. She emphasised the need for joint action against imperialist globalisation and the renewed dangers of communalism.

AIDWA president Subhashini Ali hoisted the organisation's flag and paid homage to the martyrs, who laid down their lives in the struggle against terrorism, anti-national separatists and landlords.

Mallu Swarajyam, who was at the forefront of the pre-Independence Telangana armed peasants struggle, also spoke about her struggle against injustice. Banners condemning "sexual harassment against women at work place" were pasted at the venue.

AIDWA is the largest women's organisation in the country with membership in more than 22 States.

Representatives of Centre of Indian Trade Unions and Student's Federation of India also spoke on the occasion.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail