Not a fair world

Inspite of various declarations, commissions and conferences held for years to safeguard women, they still remain unsafe

Hardnews Bureau

For the last 100 years, International Women's Day is being observed on March 8 across the globe. Yet, women continue to suffer violence, physical and mental abuse and assaults. Inspite of various declarations, commissions and conferences held over the years to safeguard the rights of women, they still remain unsafe. The rising number of cases of violence against women across the world is a testimony to this fact.

Concerned with the increase in cases of assaults on women, the Centenary Committee to Celebrate International Women's Day, an initiative of several women and student organisations and individuals, held a protest at Patel Chowk metro station in New Delhi on Friday. This was the second demonstration by the collective.

Rajni, convenor of the committee, told Hardnews, "The idea is to educate women about their rights. We will conduct seminars. There will be meetings in dalit bastis, too, apart from demonstrations on popular days in the city."

On the question of equal rights to transsexuals and homosexuals, she remarked, "Homosexuality should be legalised by a constitutional amendment. These two sections of the society should have their freedom and the society should let them live a dignified life."

In an appeal to the people, the collective urged the society to come forward and fight gender-based menace. "As in Punjab and Haryana, Delhi's female population is decreasing at an alarming rate (sex ratio is shockingly low at 821). Rape is being used as a weapon by individuals as well as the State in silencing voices of dissent. The rape and murder of two young women in Shopian and absence of any punitive action against the culprits is an ugly example of the hypocrisy of rulers," the statement said.

The committee also put forward a charter of demands to the government, which urges commitment in implementing laws related to violence against women; immediate steps for the repeal of AFSPA and Unlawful Activities (prevention) Amendment Act; changes in Article 377 to decriminalise homosexuality; an increase in provision of safe homes/ shelters for those in distress; more security for women in public places and modification of education curriculum to bring in gender sensitivity from a young age.

The idea of marking a day for women across the world emerged at the beginning of the century when the colonial and imperial orders were having a free run and exploiting the working class. Unrest and critical debate began among women protesting against this exploitation. Oppression on the basis of gender and inherent inequalities in the society spurred women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. This awakening was witnessed in New York when 15,000 women marched through the city streets demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights in 1908.