People's Democracy

‘Fight Gender Discrimination Unitedly’

THE CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, Brinda Karat called for a broad unity cutting across communities to fight against gender discrimination and cultural biases that have consistently dominated the socio-cultural climate of the country. Inaugurating the national seminar organised by Jansanskriti, at Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi on October 1 she pointed out that manifestations of gender oppression have been particularly severe in the national capital of Delhi.

Karat said that apart from the politics of fundamentalism and religious bigotry the forces of market economy have also participated in the cooption of subordinating cultures that have perpetrated gender discrimination and cultural biases.  All these forces cumulatively have created a situation where women, the victims of discriminatory practices are also branded as the accused. This has to be countered by developing and propagating a comprehensive and real understanding of socio-economic inequities, she pointed out.

Eminent journalist, Praful Bidwai and Monisha Behl, chairperson of North East Network presented papers at the seminar. A large number of participants, who attended and participated in the discussions of the seminar, made plans to evolve a detailed plan of action to advance the counter offensive against gender discrimination and cultural biases, particularly in the national capital of Delhi. Venkitesh Ramakrishnan, chairman, seminar committee presided over the function.

Jansanskriti is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and the seminar is one of the manifold activities being organised as part of the silver jubilee celebrations.  An ‘advisory committee’ under the chairmanship of K R Narayanan, former President of India and an ‘organising committee’ under the leadership of Dr K N Panicker, eminent historian, are in-charge of the anniversary celebrations. (INN)