Discussion on equal status for women held

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 11: A discussion on equal status for women, in keeping with the United tion’s theme of ‘Planet 50:50 by 2030’, was organized by Hengrabari Housing Colony Mahila Samaj on the occasion of Intertiol Women’s Day.

Delivering her key-note address, scientist and writer Dr Jayanti Chutia highlighted how women’s position in the social sphere has undergone a sea-change owing to various economic factors, especially the advent of industrialization which had diminished women’s contribution in the traditiol modes of income generation. Noting the challenges faced by women in ensuring their rights, Dr. Chutia called upon all women to be not just aware of their rights but also assert it, whenever they are denied of it. Prominent social worker Prati Dutta, who was the chief guest on the occasion, spoke on the plight of working women in the lower section of society and urged the government’s active intervention for their uplift.

Senior jourlist Jahbi Khaund, in her speech, retraced the position of women from the ancient times and how various factors had contributed to women being pushed to a relatively lower social stratum with the emergence of a male-domited society. Other eminent speakers on the occasion included veteran actor Chet Das, eminent columnist BN Goswami, trade union leader Manindra Swarkar, Pramode Bhuyan, Dibash Phukan and Ila Bhuyan.

The discussion, which was moderated by Khanita Goswami, adopted two resolutions, which would be placed before the State Government. The meeting resolved to demand granting of 33 per cent reservation for women in State Assemblies and Parliament without further delay. The second resolution urged the government to declare March 8 as a holiday in the state.