Hyderabad/Kolkata: On Saturday, during the second day of the STFI Silver Jubilee Conference, a women’s conference took place. Badarunnisa, a national leader of STFI, led the event. Malini Bhattacharya, a former Rajya Sabha member and AIDWA national leader, was the chief guest. She highlighted the importance of women’s rights and the need for a national movement to protect them. She pointed out the increase in rapes and murders of women and girls in the country. Bhattacharya recalled the incident of a doctor being raped and murdered at RG Car Medical College in Kolkata last year, emphasizing the lack of justice and government negligence.
She criticized the oppressive ideology in Indian society that limits women to their homes and makes them reliant on men. This mindset, rooted in Manu Dharma, is resurfacing and hindering societal progress. Bhattacharya noted that Manu Dharma has historically oppressed women and lower castes, creating societal divides.
During India’s independence movement, leaders fought for women’s rights, and post-independence, educational opportunities for girls increased. However, attacks on women and domestic violence persist despite the Domestic Violence Prohibition Act. Bhattacharya stressed the need for a nationwide movement to enforce laws protecting women.
Bhattacharya also addressed the declining participation of women in the workforce. Women in agriculture, industry, and corporate sectors earn less than men, and she called for equal pay. Women actively join various movements across the country, yet there’s a gap in organizing a strong movement for women’s rights.
She noted that some leaders blame women’s clothing and jobs for attacks against them, reflecting societal decline. Bhattacharya urged teachers to lead efforts in promoting women’s rights.
STFI national leaders Aruna Kumari, Charulatha, CH. Durga Bhavani, Shanti Kumari, TSUTF Telangana State President Chavaravi, General Secretary K. Venkat, Treasurer T. Lakshma Reddy, and women leaders Nagamani, Gnana Manjari, and Sharada participated in the conference.
