Udupi April 13: Convener of the State unit of Dalit Sangharsh Samiti Lakshminarayan Nagawar has said a movement should be launched to provide women with equal rights, especially those from weaker sections. He was speaking after inaugurating the Dalit Mahila Swabhimani Samavesha organised by Karnataka Dalit Mahila Okkoota here on Sunday.


Mr. Nagawar alleged that the Pejawar seer and other heads of Hindu maths believed in inequality especially towards women. This was because they believed in the Manu Smriti. The Dalit movement should not be confined to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It was an inclusive movement and it highlighted issues concerning all weaker sections, he said.


Mr. Nagawar said that women were equal to men in intelligence and competence. They only required opportunities to display their talent. But Sangh Parivar organisations such as the Bajrang Dal had made life difficult for women in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, he alleged.


The Sangh Parivar made tall claims of giving respect to women. But the way they treated Uma Bharati was too well known to be recalled, Mr. Nagawar said.


It was essential for all progressive and secular groups and political parties to come together to defeat communal forces in the Lok Sabha elections, he added.


Manjula of Samanata Mahila Vedike, Shimoga, said that women were attacked in a pub in Mangalore recently. Women were facing harassment, and crimes against them were increasing.


A woman was being kidnapped every 43 minutes. A dowry death was taking place every 60 minutes. There was some crime taking place against women every seven minutes in the country, she said.


Ms. Manjula said that in the coastal districts girls were not being allowed to talk to boys from other communities. The plight of the Dalit women might well be imagined there. Illiteracy had been the bane of Dalits. Only 10 per cent of Dalit women and 31 per cent of Dalit men were literate. Parliament must give its nod for 33 per cent reservation for women, Ms. Manjula said.


Convener of DSS district unit Sundari Puttur, writer Anasuya Kamble, progressive thinkers Athrady Amritha and Bhagya Hagalganchi were present.


V. Saraswati welcomed the gathering. Jayan Malpe delivered the introductory remarks. Dinakar Bengre compered the programme. Saroja K. proposed a vote of thanks.