Women allowing corporate bodies to depict them in poor light: Vaidehi

Mangaluru, Feb 25: Women are assaulted not because of the way they dressed but because of the mind of men that is being spoiled, according Kannada writer and activist Vaidehi.

She was speaking at a function to mark 15th anniversary of Anupama Women’s monthly magazine in the city on Tuesday. She also released the special issue of the magazine

Despite achieving accolades in various fields, women continue to be an object of lust in the eyes of men, Ms Vaidehi said.

She lamented that women are also aiding in spoiling the mind by allowing corporate bodies to show them in the media in poor light.

“It is for the women to speak out and change the mind of a large number of men, which is getting spoiled,” said Ms Vaidehi.

Lamenting that the newspapers these days are filled with violent stories of assault on women, she said it was necessary for women to speak aloud their concerns.

“If you do not muster the courage to ask questions, we will be further suppressed by the male dominant society,” she said.

Ms Vaidehi said magazines like Anupama had been make people aware of concerns of women and giving space for women to put out their feelings.

Commending the magazine for continuing to be the voice of women, Ms Vaidehi said this magazine, with around 2 lakh subscribers, had succeeded in opening the eyes of men.

“It is for the men to change the way they look at women. We women, with a motherly attitude, have always kept our eyes open,” she said.

Sister Mischelle, Convenor, Bethany Sisters and Ayisha Farzana, Principal, Athoor Ayisha Pre University College also spoke. Zohra Abbas Krishnapur, Maimuna, Jyotiratna and Yasmeen expressed their opinion about the magazine on behalf of readers.

Shabana, the first Muslim chartered accountant in coastal Karnataka was honoured on the occasion.

Shahnaz M, chief editor of Anupama Women’s monthly, presided over the programme. Hana Maryam recited the verses of Qur’an in the beginning. Sabeeha Fathima, associate editor, Anupama, welcomed and delivered introductory address. Sajida Momin proposed vote of thanks.