The district saw an impressive turnout of women from all walks of life as they lined up to form a 58-km stretch of the women’s wall on Tuesday.
The inflow to various points of the highway started much earlier and by 4 p.m. there was a large crowd who joined the human chain from Oachira to Kadambattukonam. Politicians, social activists, professionals, government employees, cashew workers, Kudumbashree workers, artists and teachers participated in the event and took the Renaissance pledge. Participants carried banners and placards displaying slogans on the necessity to uphold renaissance values and resist regressive forces.
Expressing solidarity
Natascha, a tourist from Germany, said she along with her friends decided to join the wall as a gesture to express their solidarity.
“We read in the papers that it’s a wall for equality and we think women should stand up for their rights,” she said.
A huge crowd also gathered for the public meeting where Minister J. Mercykutty Amma addressed the participants.
“Kerala has set an example to the world by building this wall of love. The wall saw a participation of women from all walks of life and it indicates we will collectively resist the attempts of reactionary forces trying to create a riot in the State,” she said. The Minister urged women to march ahead in the struggle to ensure equality and stay alert against those trying to create divisions. “The success of the women’s wall does not mean our responsibility is over,” she added. Kepco chairperson J. Chinju Rani presided over the function.
Art exhibition
A Renaissance art exhibition was also held in Kollam city, jointly organised by the State Youth Commission, Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority and district information office. The days of slave trade, Kallumala revolt, Achipudava strike, Indanthuruthil Mana where Gandhiji was made to sit outside, Vaikom Satyagraha, Guruvayur Satyagraha and Temple Entry Proclamation found place in the exhibition.