Amid growing crime against women, the third All India Women’s Conference organised by the All India Mahila Samskarika Sanghatana (AIMSS) commenced here on Saturday with a photo exhibition featuring historic struggles in which women were at the forefront.
The exhibition at the Putharikandam Maidan, which is also the venue of the conference, was inaugurated by K.B. Valsalakumari, IAS.
On Friday, writer Vimala Menon opened the media centre at the venue in the presence of AIMSS president Chhaya Mukherjee. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mukherjee said the recent incidents of crime against women had put a question mark on our claim to be the largest democracy with a vast cultural history. Terming the incidents, particularly the recent one that occurred in Delhi, as shameful, she said the need of the hour was a powerful socio-cultural movement to bring gender equality. “Economic feudalism has gone but cultural feudalism remains still,” she added.
In her address, writer Ms. Menon said women should rise above political and religious boundaries to put a united fight to bring gender equality. There was need to bring in change in the mindset of both men and women, she said, adding men should be taught to treat women equally while women to “listen to their head rather giving emphasis to the heart.” “Nowadays, I feel the heart rules their head,” she said.
An open session would be inaugurated by former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court M.N. Venkatachaliah on January 29 and on the same day danseuse Mallika Sarabai will stage a performance. The five-day conference would see the participation of delegates from several countries.
