“Kozhikode should become a place where women can walk around freely and safely even at midnight and it should be a matter of pride for the men here,” said writer-activist Sara Joseph.
She was speaking after inaugurating ‘Theruvarangu,’ a programme organised by Penkoottu on the occasion of International Women’s Day, in Kozhikode on Sunday..
Mindset
Ms. Joseph said the ‘mindset’ (of men) is a word that was most discussed after the Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi two years ago, and it is once again much discussed after the documentary on the case was released.
“The documentary is one that every male and female in this country should watch. It helps us do a self-introspection on our mindset towards rape, rape victims and freedom of women in general, she said, and added that cutting off the head was not the cure to headache.
Explaining the long history of Penkoottu in ensuring the basic rights of women in the unorganised sector working in SM Street, Ms. Joseph said every labourer had the right to unite and fight for their labour rights. She said political parties had never initiated any mass movements in Kerala, including the ones like Plachimada, the Adivasi struggle, the fight against Endosulfan, Vilappilsala and the recent one against Malabar Gold in nearby Kakkanchery.
President of Penkoottu P.Viji, in her presidential address, said the struggle for Penkoottu is also for women’s right to their nights.
Adivasi activist C.K. Janu delivered the keynote address on the occasion. Activists K. Ajitha, Ananda Kanakam, writer Deedi Damodaran, P.A. Lalitha and artist Shantha were present on the occasion.
The evening was marked by poetry sessions and music by Penkoottu volunteers and guests.
A street play was staged later in S.M.Street.
