Tamil Nadu   

Women fish workers demand concessions on a par with men

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: At the first State convention of women fish workers conference, organised by the Tamil Nadu Women Fishworkers Federation, over 500 women from 13 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu gathered in Chennai.

Thangamani, a fisher leader belonging to the Federation, spoke out against the new Coastal Regulation Zone recommendations and called on other fisherwomen to unite against politicians and experts who sought to impose terms on fishing people.

Gnanasoundari from Tiruvarur alleged that post-tsunami no help had been provided to women-led households.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Bala Bharathi, MLA, said fish workers should be recognised by the State.

She had raised the matter in the Assembly and demanded that women fish workers be given compensation that men got during the non-fishing seasons. For the women, there was the additional burden of gender discrimination, she said.

The Communist parties had supported the Sethusamudram project only on the condition that it would not disrupt the livelihood of fisherfolk, Ms. Bharathi clarified.

Padmavathi, MLA, said the Communist parties would lend support to the fishing communities.

One of the demands that came up during the day-long convention was that a separate welfare board be set up for those making their living from catching and selling fish.

Poornima Meher, executive member, National Fish Workers Forum, said women fish workers should be granted legal status as workers, besides all benefits.

She appealed to the State and the civil society to halt destructive development projects along the coast, including the Sethusamudram project. Jesurethinam and A. Gandhimathi of the TNWFF explained the objectives of the convention.

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