People's Democracy

Prosecute Minister

Under SC/ST Act: AIDWA

THE central executive committee of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) which met on November 13-15, 2011 made an appeal to all its units to stand up against the growing violence on women. Responding to reports from different parts of the country, the CEC noted with alarm the fact that those in political power are abusing their authority not only to sexually exploit women but also to cover up their crimes. It passed a resolution strongly condemning the blatantly casteist remarks passed by some Jat leaders in Rajasthan, denigrating the entire ‘Natani’ community to which Bhanwari Devi, the ANM who was sexually abused by Mahipal Maderna, a minister in the Congress-led state government of Rajasthan, belongs. The AIDWA called for the minister and the Jat leaders to be immediately prosecuted under the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act. Another minister, Ramlal Jat has also been found involved in a similar incident. In Uttar Pradesh also, an elected representative has been accused of child sexual abuse. The CEC noted with concern the incident where two young men, Keenan and Reuben, who were brutally attacked and murdered in Mumbai because they dared to protest against the sexual harassment of their women friends outside a restaurant in Mumbai. It expressed its support to the ‘Zero Tolerance’ campaign launched to support the demand to fast-track the case. The AIDWA pointed to the recent figures published by the National Crime Records Bureau which show that while instances of different crimes against women have sharply increased, the disposal of cases by the courts is worsening, and conviction rates are dipping. At a time when as many as 94,041 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2011, the UPA government should strongly refute the concerted campaign by certain sections who are spreading the canard that women are ‘misusing’ Section 498 A of the IPC when in fact the law is highly underused by affected women. The CEC therefore called upon all its units to observe the fortnight from November 25 to December 10 to campaign against violence on women, with a focus against moves to make S498A bailable, compoundable and non-cognizable.   

The meeting also noted the increasing hardship faced by women in the wake of steep increase in prices of food that has been compounded by the recent increase in food prices. The CEC criticised the draft of the Food Security Bill that does not include single women including widows, and physically and mentally challenged persons from the category of “priority” households, which is actually just a repetition of the earlier category of BPL, and demanded a universal public distribution system.

INAUGURATION OF 

SUSHEELA GOPALAN BHAVAN

On November 15, the AIDWA central office located at Shadi Khampur in New Ranjit Nagar was inaugurated with a public function, in which more than 200 women participated enthusiastically. The programme began with the AIDWA flag being hoisted by the president Shyamali Gupta. AIDWA leader, Brinda Karat inaugurated the office, amid slogans from the CEC members and the activists from Delhi who congregated there. AIDWA patron, Pramila Pandhe unveiled the name board. This was followed by a programme presided over by Shyamali Gupta, who also delivered the presidential address. Many senior leaders of AIDWA, including  vice president Subhashini Ali, treasurer Banani Biswas, and vice president Rama Das participated in the programme.  A cultural group, led by Manjeet Rathee set the tone with some inspiring songs. AIDWA general secretary welcomed all those gathered there, especially the representatives from the national women’s organisations, and the leaders of fraternal organisations. She pointed out that the Susheela Gopalan Memorial Bhavan was being inaugurated during the 30th anniversary of AIDWA, since its formation in 1981, and it was achieved primarily due to the support of lakhs of women who contributed a rupee each in response to AIDWA’s call. She thanked all the well wishers for their support, and said that the struggle for equal rights would get strengthened, as the office was a symbol of women’s struggle against exploitation and for equal rights.  

AIDWA patron Brinda Karat highlighted AIDWA’s struggle, with its different dimensions, wherein women’s struggle against patriarchy was integrated with the fight against an unequal economic and social order. The organisation had been shaped by revolutionary  leaders like Susheela Gopalan, Moturu Udayam, Ahilya Ranganekar, Kanak Mukherjee, Pappa Umanath, and others, and we pay homage to them, she said. She recalled the role played by Kalindi Deshpande, and others who are no longer with us. She pointed to the courage of women who were challenging injustice and oppression in myriad ways, and were coming forward to claim their rights, and to create a secular and democratic society. She highlighted the overlap between gender and caste oppression, pointing out that dalits were still subjected to the two glass system, and were not entitled to drink tea from the same glass in a democratic set up. She lambasted the neo liberal policies of the government, and also underlined how new forms of violence like crimes in the name of honour were on the rise. She congratulated the AIDWA leaders, and said that the new office would be a centre of struggle for justice and against oppression in its many forms.

Pramila Loomba from NFIW, Mary John from CWDS, and Laila Passah from YWCA extended their greetings. Members from JWP, and SAMA also greeted AIDWA.  Representatives from the CITU, AIKS, AIAWU, STFI, BSNLEU, DTF, Jana Natya Manch, and other comrades from fraternal organisations were also present, to extend solidarity.  The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Sehba Farooqui, who appreciated the role of all those who had made the programme an inspiring and successful event.