Fight gender discrimination, patriarchal exploitation, says women’s panel chief

State Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary interacting with public and officials at the District Hospital in Bidar on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: GOPICHAND T.

Expressing deep concern over increasing patriarchal values in society, State Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary has called upon people, especially women, not to accept patriarchy as their fate but to fight gender discrimination and exploitation to assert their rights.

“Whenever you face any discrimination or exploitation based on gender, you must fight them. Visit the nearest police station and lodge a complaint. The police are there for our protection. Don’t hesitate to visit police stations with your grievances, as the police are people-friendly, especially women-friendly. If women are aware of their rights and fight back, patriarchal oppression automatically comes down,” she said, after inaugurating a women’s awareness conference at Basavagiri in Bidar on Tuesday.

The event was organised by Basava Seva Prathisthana as part of its 23rd Vachana Vijayotsava celebrations.

“In case the police don’t receive your complaints, just scan the QR code available in all police stations and complain to Loka Spandana, a QR code-based assessment system to gather feedback from people on police services. Your message will reach the higher officers and grievances redressal mechanisms,” she said.

Stressing on the importance of getting aware of rights and responsibilities, Ms. Choudhary said that awareness plays a key role in ending exploitation and ignites hopes for creating a more equitable society.

“If you are not aware of your rights, anybody can fool and exploit you. Parents must also equally focus on giving physical training to their children, such as wrestling, karate and other self-protection skills. In Uttar Pradesh, women have formed Gulabi Gang, a voluntary women’s vigilante group to fight back atrocities on women. Such laudable initiatives are the need of the hour,” she said.

She also called upon parents to provide a conducive and encouraging environment in their house to provide their girls equal opportunities to unleash their hidden talents and allow them to chase their dreams.

Sindhutai Kadadi, a social reformer from Solapur, was honoured with the Sharana Seva Award.

Basaveshwari Mataji from Attiveri, journalist Rashmi S., Shanti Vardhak Education Society director Geeta Khandre, Karnataka State Co-operative Women Federation chairperson Shakuntala Beldale and women leaders were present.

Ms. Choudhary later visited the District Hospital and took stock of the prevailing condition and service available there.