Mahila Samaj Convention to Open on Tuesday

Patna: Oct. 13, 2008

On the eve of the 8th Annual Bihar Women's Society meet in Patna on Monday, the members of the Society concurred that despite political rhetoric and tall promises by Bihar leaders, the social condition of the women in the state remained pathetic and much needed to be done to empower them socially, politically, and economically.

Society's general secretary Sushila Sahay, at a press conference, provided a glimpse of their agenda that would be covered in the annual meet that opens in Patna on Tuesday.

"In spite of the 50% reservation for women in the Panchayat elections in Bihar implemented by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the situation of women remains grim. There is no reduction in crime against women, they continue to be sexually harassed and exploited and they are yet to be part of the mainstream society," Sahay said.

The Society was founded by three women in Bihar over 40 years ago and today now it boasts a membership of more than 50,000 women, the organization's district coordinator Dr. Sharad Kumari said.

A rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon that would be led by the Indian Women's Federation General Secretary Annie Raja. After passing through Patna's major streets, the rally would end up at the Miller High School playground where it would take the shape of a public meeting.

Later in the evening, the convention would begin at Kedar Bhawan, Dr. Kumari said.

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