December 20-22: Maharashtra collective on women’s rights to hold three-day statewide conference

The reception committee formed for the conference, along with representatives of allied organisations, addressed the media on Thursday ahead of the conference, which begins on Saturday. The committee stated that all preparations are in place to welcome representatives arriving from all 25 districts of Maharashtra. Members informed that the reception committee has been constituted in a democratic and inclusive manner. Its first meeting was held on 11–12 January 2023, and individuals and organisations that were able to actively contribute time and effort were included. At present, the committee comprises 70 organisations, spread across various regions of Maharashtra, which is considered a significant strength for the conference. The committee emphasised that having organisations from across the state helps in understanding region-specific issues and nurturing leadership at the local level. Several constituent organisations have been consistently working for the women’s movement across Maharashtra.

While acknowledging that the women’s movement has achieved several milestones over the years and many long-standing demands have been fulfilled, the committee expressed concern that the movement now appears to be gradually moving backwards. As an example, they pointed to the functioning of the Women’s Commission. Since its establishment in 1993, the Women’s Commission has, for many years, functioned in close coordination with other women’s organisations. Regular discussions were held, and when injustices against women occurred, representatives from organisations were included in inquiry committees. However, these processes have largely come to a halt. The committee further noted that earlier, amendments to various laws were discussed collectively, struggles were undertaken for a dedicated women’s budget, and research projects were carried out in collaboration with organisations to better understand the nature of women’s issues. Unfortunately, that is not happening now.

The organisers also raised concerns about the current social atmosphere, where aggression and violence are increasingly being normalised. In this environment, women from Christian and Muslim communities have faced its impact in significant ways. They emphasised that women’s progress is possible only when prevailing social attitudes are questioned, and values such as peace, dialogue, and mutual respect are prioritised. They further stated that meaningful change can occur only when all sections of society come together, engage in collective thinking, and take time to understand one another’s experiences and religious sensitivities. Building such understanding is essential for a strong and inclusive women’s movement. Reflecting this commitment, a special feature of the conference will be the display of photographs on the stage backdrop honouring Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, who worked alongside her in laying the foundation of the women’s movement, and Pandita Ramabai, who rejected hindu dharma and got converted into Christianity.

During the three-day conference, a wide range of critical issues will be addressed through discussions and seminars. On the first day, sessions will focus on domestic violence, sexual harassment at the workplace, sexual and custodial violence, caste-based and communal violence, and a Constitution-based perspective on women’s issues. The second day will feature expert opinions and deliberations on economic and political conditions, public health, environment, and development, as well as the impact of new labour laws. Alongside these discussions, cultural programmes including street plays, informative performances, and dance-dramas will be presented throughout the conference. On the third and concluding day, the rally and public meeting of the Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad will be held at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. During this meeting, memorandums from various organisations will be submitted, and the future direction of the Council’s work will be outlined. The conference is expected to witness large participation from women’s organisations, activists, and young women from across Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad stated that, “The conference is not being held merely to mark the completion of 50 years, but also to raise awareness about the political and economic realities of the present time and to encourage the younger generation to engage thoughtfully with these issues. The approach of the conference is inclusive and forward-looking. At a time when aggression and violence are increasingly being normalised, the organisers stressed that women’s progress is possible only when there is a meaningful shift in societal attitudes. Through this platform, the conference seeks to bring women’s issues to the forefront and address them through a Constitution-based and rights-oriented approach.

The conference will serve as a starting point for sustained action, with initiatives such as continuous workshops, capacity-building programmes, legal support, counselling, and partnerships with training organisations being strengthened as part of the movement’s ongoing work.”

Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad further added, “The conference aims to change the society from the feminist perspective. While the Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad is entering a new phase of its journey, we noted that many women continue to be deprived of their rights to dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity. Through sustained dialogue, workshops, and future programmes, the movement will continue its consistent efforts to bring about social change, progress, and justice, an assurance strongly expressed through this conference. Although women may appear to have made significant progress, discrimination persists at the individual and social levels, and many women continue to struggle for self-respect and recognition. Building collective consciousness remains the movement’s central inspiration.

The conference is, therefore, not merely a celebration of 50 years, but a conscious effort to raise awareness about contemporary political and economic realities and to prepare the younger generation to engage with these challenges in a thoughtful and informed manner.”