Women activists seek change in 42 laws

The meeting organised by Mahila Vyasapeeth also praised the efforts and strength of Sheila Kini, wife of a photographer Ramesh Kini who died in mysterious circumstances in a theatre in Pune. Suspecting foul play since her husband was being forced to vacate their flat in Dadar allegedly by some leaders of the Shiv Sena, Sheila Kini fought political bigwigs and got the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case.

“The 21st century should be the century of women, as more and more women get involved to work for the economic, social and educational upliftment of women,” said Giri in her inaugural address.

Various problems of education for girls, who have sometimes to quit school to help at home were highlighted as one of the participants demanded that an open university, not just for adults, but also for children be opened in the country.

In her speech, Neelam Gore, convenor of the Vyaspeeth, urged that the women gathered at the meet swear allegiance on 5 issues. “Even if you do not want to say it aloud, I hope you will swear in your heart,” she said. The pledges were: every woman should swear not to indulge in character assassination of another woman and not to support anybody doing so, blind superstition and beliefs will not be subscribed to, no bias should be maintained toward sons or against daughters and no ill feeling will be harboured against anyone either on the basis of class or community.

Giri informed that a set of 42 laws needed to be amended which were being implemented since the times of the British Raj. “In a meeting with the former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on March 8 (Women’s Day) this year, we forwarded a list of these laws and a study group headed by Deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Najma Hepatullah has been set up. The report is expected by next month,” she said.