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Udupi: It is very necessary for women to come forward politically to break the gender inequality in the society. But the journey of women in politics is not easy and there are challenges to be faced. Dr. GV Vennela Gaddar, a writer and activist from Secunderabad, said that the negligent attitude of political parties and social and cultural factors are also a problem.

On behalf of the Karnataka State Women’s Anti-Violence Federation, Udupi, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, she inaugurated a public meeting organized on Saturday at the Ratna Ammanna stage of Basel Mission Church Hall, Udupi, and spoke on Women’s Vigor Day.

This society has given second class status to women. But women themselves should make sincere efforts to raise their status in their homes, villages, hills and cities. From Indira Gandhi to Mamata Banerjee, many have shown that gender is no barrier to achievement in a male-dominated society. She also gave excellent leadership for pro-life and equality.

The leadership models before us are paternalistic. We need to look at it with gender sensitivity and keep a new perspective. She said that we should promote the concept of gender equality, collective leadership.

A woman is worth a thousand weapons. Self-help groups and organizations have empowered women economically at the grassroots level. We should all make a sincere effort to change society’s view of women. She opined that we all need to follow the path of education, organization and struggle given by Ambedkar.

Veronica Cornelio presided. Akhila Vidyasandra presented the Udupi Declaration. Mary D’Souza read the Preamble to the Constitution of India. Appi Moodubelle sang Paddana song.

Gracie Covello, Kulsum Abubakar, Saroja, Rehana Sultana Bynduru, Manjunatha Giliyaru, Santhosh Cornelio, Nagamma Bynduru, Santhosh Ballal, Sanjeeva Vandse, Shanti Noronha, Sreekumar, Sumitra Sudhakar, Devika Nagesh, Salim Khan Koppala, Prabhavathi, Chandramma were present on the stage.

Presenting the ’Udupi Declaration’ in the convention: ” We vow to eliminate caste, gender discrimination in our homes and hearts. Central and state governments should ensure equal representation of women in all sectors and levels. The words and concepts of socialism and secularism in the Preamble of the Constitution should be reinstated in the Constitution”.

We will work hard to create an environment where peace and harmony can always be maintained in the society. We strive for the moderate use, protection and development of nature and natural resources. Governments should establish justice and order in society. Governments should give priority to the all-round progress of farmers, dalits and children of women. Appropriate measures should be taken to create the best education system and to overcome the problem of unemployment.