International Women’s Day celebrated with gusto in Thane

About a hundred women and children gathered on Sunday, the 18th of March in a small temple ground in the middle of the Patil wadi slum in Thane to celebrate International Women’s Day. They were dressed in all their finery, many of them returning home from a hard day’s labour despite it being a Sunday. Most of the women work as house maids while their young girls work for double their salaries in call centers. The program began with the inspiring song “Usha ki lalima phaili hai” sung by a group from

In the leadership of the program were Vignaharta Mahila Mandal, Lok Raj Sangathan and Purogami Mahila Sangathan. Various speakers spoke about the plight of women and the history of International Women’s Day. They pointed out that instead of promoting the welfare of women, the state attacks them in various ways, as it attacks working men. The demand for 33% reservation will not lead to liberation of women as it is only the rich that benefit from the system. Ms. Priyanka spoke about women are doubly oppressed, as working people as well as women. Women have to fight shoulder to shoulder with men for a system where political power will vest with the people and not with political parties. Dr. Jawale, a popular doctor in Thane talked about the health issues of women and how educating a woman would mean educating the whole family. Ms. Trupti spoke about how it is important to get organized and fight for a society without exploitation, oppression, inequality and injustice. Mr. Rahul spoke about the Ghadar Jaari Hai program and invited the people to participate in it. The speeches were interspersed with songs. Four small girls put up koli dances that were much admired.

As a special surprise, the activists of Lok Raj Sangathan had devised a game for all the women that involved pulling down representatives who did not work for the people. The program ended with traditional games like fugdi and jhimma. All the women enjoyed the evening, with its mix of food for thought as well as fun and games, which gave them a respite from their daily grind. Many of the women expressed their eagerness to be part of the Lok Raj Sangathan.