Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali, and a host of other prominent leaders on Saturday gathered in Chennai for the Women's Rights Conference, hosted by the DMK Women's Wing. The ‘Magalir Urimai Maanadu’ conference was held as a part of the DMK's centenary celebrations of late party patriarch and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Addressing the gathering, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi stressed the hard-fought journey of the Women's Reservation Bill. She recalled, "The Women's Reservation Bill introduced by the UPA-2 was passed by the Rajya Sabha, but a lack of consensus prevented it from being passed in the Lok Sabha. Now, the Women's Reservation Bill has been finally passed due to our relentless persistence, all of us not just Congress."
"But as we all know it still has a long way to come... When is the bill now going to be implemented? in one year, two years, three years? We have no idea," she remarked, as per a video shared by news agency ANI.
The Congress veteran expressed her concerns, saying, "I can see some of you men (in the gathering) are happy, but we are not. We women are not. And we are going to fight for it, till we eventually get there."
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra touched upon the persistence of gender-related challenges in India. She stated, "Across our nation, beneath the surface of progress, we are still struggling with a harsh reality of an entrenched patriarchy and systemic oppression of women... Why are women still enslaved?", as per news agency PTI.
She emphasised the necessity of women's participation in the political process, asserting, "It is our right to be counted in the political process."
Highlighting the urgency for action, she proclaimed, "We, the women of India, have no more time to waste" while expressing her support for the women's reservation and demanded the immediate implementation of the legislation.
NCP MP Supriya Sule, speaking at the DMK Women's Rights Conference, commended the Tamil community's rich legacy, acknowledging their contributions to the advancement of Tamil language and education. She stated, "You all are really proud of our language, and it is so wonderful to see that there is no caste, no religion. Love for their language unites Tamil Nadu."
Sule emphasised the need for solidarity in defending cooperative federalism against perceived intrusions from Delhi. She stressed that the unity of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra is instrumental in safeguarding their rights.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, addressing the gathering, underscored the party's commitment to social justice, individual dignity, and women's rights. She stated, "Samajwadi Party remains committed to these ideals as we cherish and uphold an unwavering commitment to protecting the respect and dignity of every individual in a diverse India."
She stressed the importance of preserving regional, social, cultural, and linguistic identities, asserting that leadership should promote pluralism and diversity, not exclusion.
"The protection of regional, social, cultural, and linguistic identities is of paramount importance as it is integral to the identity and pride of each and every individual. Leadership in this regard is not about exclusion but rather about pluralism and diversity... We all must be true feminists today, advocating for gender equality, women's education, and upliftment policies that have always been advocated and implemented by the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh," she added.
The SP leader urged everyone to champion gender equality, women's education, and empowerment, highlighting the Samajwadi Party's initiatives in Uttar Pradesh as examples of their commitment.
Furthermore, she emphasised that women's economic empowerment is not just a matter of individual dignity but also a pathway toward broader societal and economic progress.
The Women's Rights Conference brought together these influential leaders from across the country, showcasing the diversity and unity of voices advocating for women's rights and equality in India.
Acoording to ANI, Flags and banners of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were installed at the Nandanam area and Mount Road ahead of DMK’s Women Leader Conference for Women's Rights.
DMK Women's Rights conference was presided over by DMK chief MK Stalin and chaired by DMK general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. The women leaders of I.N.D.I.A bloc including ieaders from Janata Dal (United), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Trinamool Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party leaders graced the event, viewed as a show of strength by the DMK-led government.
West Bengal Mamata Banerjee was forced to skip the event due to Durga Pooja festivities in the state.