Pune: To fight for formulation and implementation of laws, several women’s organisations took out a protest rally from Pune Railway Station to District Collector’s Office on Thursday, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
City-based women’s rights organisation Stree Mukti Andolan Sampark Samiti and 30 other organisations participated in the rally to protest against the government’s neglect.
Medha Kale, activist of NGO Tathapi said, “Even after protesting for several years, the government has implemented very few laws and acts.”
Vidya Kulkarni, activist of Stree Mukti Andolan Sampark Samiti, said, “Every year we give a memorandum to the district collector, keeping in mind the laws and rules which are to be implemented. However, response from the authority is very slow.”
Majusha Pandharpure, activist of Janwani Mahila Sanghatana, said, “To combat rising crimes against women, the Women and Child Development Ministry has decided to launch district-level welfare committees across the country to establish a mechanism of immediate assistance for the victims of domestic violence, but still there is no committee formed for it.”
City-based organisations which participated in the rally include Akhil Bharatiya Janwadi Mahila Sanghatana, Bharatiya Mahila Federation, Chetna Mahila Vikas Kendra, Dalit Mahila Forum, Hope, Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat, Maharashtra Governmnet Nurses Federation, Tathapi, Nari Samata Manch, Navnirman Nyas and Samajwadi Mahila Sabha.
Demands presented to govt
Identify women as independent farmers
Adequate financial provisions for women’s programmes
Equal salary for women
Benefit of ration and government schemes
Pay the pending dues of women’s self-help groups
Set up committee for sexual harassment at workplace
Laws for sexual harassment for girl child
Stop privatisation of medical services in municipal hospitals
Demands presented to PMC
Provide civic amenities
Provide desired wages for the teachers of anganwadi
Pay attention to basic facilities of unorganised sector
Keep a check on female feoticide