The Hindu : Women demand a better deal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 12, 2002

Other States

Other States - New Delhi

Women demand a better deal

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI DEC 11. Over 250 women's organisations all over the country yesterday held demonstrations to mark the Human Right Day. The women demanded basic human right for a life free from hunger, and `gheraoed' the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns and held demonstrations at Central Government offices and organised dharnas before State Assemblies.

Organised under the umbrella of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), women in the Capital blocked the main road outside the Ministry of Food and carried placards and banners depicting the terrible plight of poor women and children, even as 6 crore tonnes of foodgrains rotted in government godowns.

Addressing the protestors Brinda Karat, general secretary of AIDWA, said "that drought has been converted into hunger by government policies in over 278 districts in India''.

The women also demanded distribution of foodgrains at `Antodaya' prices for all sections of the poor including widows and female headed families. She said that all talk of women's empowerment and human rights were a sham unless the basic human right to be free from hunger was guaranteed. The AIDWA has also appealed to Parliament to have a special discussion on the impact of drought with emphasis on its impact on women.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

Children, husband arrested for woman's murder

Sheila against territorial division of Capital

Naik promises a deluge

Gas pipeline commissioned

Nine held for duping cellular company

Assault comes to light after eight months

Women demand a better deal