Striking a cautionary note amid the celebrations that marked International Women’s Day, N. Shalini, psychiatrist urged women to introspect on whether they have laid a safe foundation for future generations.
“The answer is no. We have not,” said Dr. Shalini, addressing the audience at Kamban Kalai Aragam at a function organised by the Department of Women and Child Development in Puducherry on Thursday.
“This is the day to appreciate women's struggles that have got us to where we are today. We must also reflect on how we are going to utilise the power that we have gained,” she said.
Upbringing issue
“In the narrative on women empowerment, we have completely ignored men. They have not been taught how to behave, respect and treat women equally. There is a problem in their upbringing that needs to be addressed,” Dr. Shalini said.
In her special address, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi said that Puducherry would see women-led development.
“Women are in higher numbers here and can be leaders in development. Women can work much more towards development,” she said, adding that women voters outnumber men in Puducherry unlike in neighbouring States.
“I have discussed with the Chief Secretary about maintaining a list of all the incentives provided to women that are unique to Puducherry. This should be published to let people know how much welfare work is done by the government of Puducherry,” she said.
Stating that Puducherry has the finest Anganwadi services, she said: “We should improve networking in our neighbourhood whether in rural or urban areas. Women’s groups must find time to organise a support system for each other. In some homes, there are complaints of domestic violence. It is an offence and there are protection officers who can intervene and courts to mediate and provide help through free legal aid.”
Chief Minister V.Narayanasamy stressed the message of women's political empowerment.
“The Puducherry government is not only concerned about the protection of women but also their development,” he said
When Nettapakkam MLA V.Vizeaveny began her speech taking a dig at the lip-service given to women on the occasion of International Women's Day, the reaction from the political leaders on the stage did not seem encouraging. “Is there anything good that is happening to women? I came prepared to speak. Men will not let us talk,” she said.
‘Cultural degradation’
Uppalam MLA A.Anbalagan mocked at the way some women claim equality with men by imitating them in attire and habits. “This is cultural degradation,” he said. Later, he went on to censure the Lieutenant Governor for stopping the government at every step in the implementation of welfare schemes. “When I heard Ms.Bedi would be the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, I was elated. I thought we could see progress in Puducherry but no,” he said.
He also criticised the government for not disbursing salary to Anganwadi workers every month. “They have to wait for more than five months, stage protest and beg for their salaries,” he said.
Responding to his criticism, the Chief Minister said that Mr.Anbalagan only criticises others and does not acknowledge progress.
Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy, Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar and T. R. Pattinam MLA A.Geetha were present.
Award winners
An achievement award was given to 18-year-old R.Kowsalya from tribal community who fought against child marriage to continue her studies. She is now pursuing nursing in Puducherry.
Twenty three year old Vinodhini also received the award for specialising in photography which remains a male bastion and Chandra, a widow, received the award for building 25 self help groups in Puducherry.
The Lieutenant Governor launched Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for pregnant women who will each be given ₹ 5000 in three instalments to improve their health.
Later, women sanitation workers received a torch and hats.
