The 2nd Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh) district conference of AIPWA against the growing oppression and violence against women concluded on 17 March with the demand for safety, employment, dignity and freedom for women. About 500 women attended the conference which was inaugurated by senior AIPWA (Varanasi) leader Com. Vibha Wahi. AIPWA State Joint Secretary Com. Kusum Verma critiqued the Modi and Akhilesh governments on their tall talk of women’s safety and dignity. AIPWA leader Com. Anita spoke of several instances where AIPWA had intervened against workplace sexual harassment in Chandauli district. Com. Nisha Mishra pointed out that the Central and State governments were taking no steps for the wage increase and regularization of ASHA and Anganwadi workers. The chief guest, AIDWA district Secretary Com. Lalmani Vishwakarma also stressed the need for women to organize themselves and struggle. CPI(ML) Chandauli district Secretary Com. Shashikant Kushwaha said that the Rail Freight Corridor project affecting Chandauli will not only affect the livelihoods of farmers but also the lives of the women and children in the family.
A 23-member district council and 9-member district executive was elected through the convention, which elected Com. Anita as Secretary, Com. Munni as President, Com. Reena and Sunita as Vice-Presidents, and Com. Sabeena and Jyoti as Joint Secretaries.
