AIDWA's 12th Conference Begins in Mumbai

The 12th conference of the All India Democratic Women's Association began in Mumbai on December 27 with almost 800 delegates from across the country. The opening session of the four day conference took place at Azad Maidan. In another program at Byculla's Sabu Siddiqui institution, delegates discussed a number of things including the political condition in India.

"Our country is in the middle of people's protests against the Manuvadi government at the Centre. Look at the number of girl students protesting across the country. It is wonderful and also heartening to see. Just a few years back, people used to say that the campuses are cold and there are no more student agitations in the country. But look at the vibrancy of the protests. I think this will inspire the struggle of women across the country," said Brinda Karat while speaking to NewsClick.

The theme of the conference is 'Safeguard Our Constitution, Uphold Women's Rights - All Together, Fight Together, Forward Together'. Subhashini Ali, vice president of AIDWA, was also present on the dais at the opening program at Azad Maidan. She said, "The concept of this conference is clear. In the ongoing battle, women of India are out to save the Constitution. The mentality of RSS and BJP is anti-women. So, for the rights of equality, women are gathering with determination."

Also watch: Why Shaheen Bagh Women Are Protesting Against CAA?

AIDWA has decided to mobilise women further across the country. Its all India General Secretary Mariam Dhawale said that the plans of mobilisations against Modi government's anti-people policies are on. "In the next few years, we will try to reach out to more and more young women across the country. They are coming on to the streets for their rights. This is a positive signal and we are sure that in the fight against fascism, all will join hands," she said.

Talking about the rural distress hurting women across India, Malini Bhattacharya, president of AIDWA, said, "The rural women are struggling to maintain the budgets of their households. We are with them in this battle. The economy of country is in disarray and Modi government's policies are hurting rural women more. AIDWA will bring their problems in front of the nation."