Mangalore, Mar 8: Thousands descended on the streets of Mangalore in a first-of-its-kind massive rally against the atrocities and exploitation of women in present times, on the occasion of International Women's Day on Friday.
Women's organisations and self-help groups, volunteers, students and several others from Mangalore and various parts of the state came together and joined hands in an effort to bring about change in the way women are looked at and treated in the society,
Jointly organised by Forum Against Atrocities on Women (FAAW) and Network of Women's Groups, the rally, comprising of women and men from various spheres of life, was flagged off from Bunts Hostel Circle by president of Koraga Abhivruddhi Sanghagala Okkuta Susheela Nada from Kundapur.
Various groups such as People's Union for Civil Liberties, DEEDS, Breakthrough Foundation, Spandana Infant Mary Convent, Billawa Mahila Sangha, Asare Women's Foundation, Forward Trust, St Aloysius College, St Agnes College, Besant Women's College and Hira Women's College from Mangalore, and other like-minded organisations from across the state participated in the rally, which concluded at Karavali Utsav ground at Lalbagh, followed by a huge public meeting.
The public meeting was inaugurated by Bhanwari Devi from Bhatteri of Rajasthan, a survivor of gang-rape and whose subsequent legal battle led to the constitution of Vishaka Guidelines by the Supreme Court against sexual harassment at the workplace. Following the inauguration, she sung verses of a song in Hindi to inspire women to collectively rise up against exploitation and injustice, at the public meeting.
Addressing the huge gathering, she urged the people to speak out against the violence and atrocities they have been subjected to. “How long will we remain mute and tolerant against the outrageous crimes which endanger us? Women should come forward and continue to fight unitedly and steadfastly against all forms of injustice in the society. We should raise our voices and fight for our rights and justice,” she proclaimed.
“The government should ensure safety of women. Exercise your votes only in favour of those politicians who have brought reforms for women. Ask them what they have done to improve the condition of women, and vote only when you get justice and your rights,” she advised the women in the gathering.
Several women activists and women belonging to women organisations shared their thoughts and views on the rising atrocities being committed on women.
Speaking on the occasion, veteran Kannada writer Sara Aboobaker expressed her satisfaction that women in the state were no longer keeping quiet against atrocities, and were coming forward in large numbers to protest against them.
In her introductory address, Sabiha Bhoomi Gowda spoke on the significance of hosting the massive public meeting in Mangalore, against the backdrop of the homestay attack and other instances of moral policing.
Susheela Nada, Sukri Bommanagowda of Halakki Vokkaligara Sangha, editor of 'Anupama' magazine Shahnaz M, Rathi Rao of Civic Workers' Association, Bangalore, Rathnamma of Garment and Textile Workers Union, Nisha of Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum and others spoke on the occasion. Writer Vaidehi presided over the function.
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