By Anand Mathew

Varanasi, March 3, 2024: Hundreds of women, who rallied in Varanasi on March3, have demanded that political parties should deny tickets to those accused of sexual crimes in the General Elections 2024.

“Those accused of sexual crimes should not be given tickets to contest elections. Complaints against the government, administration and public representatives should be investigated at the magistrate level,” asks a 13-point manifesto the March 3 Mahila Adhikar (rights of women) Rally prepared for the parties.

It also demands 50 percent reservation in Parliament and Assemblies for women, besides government jobs and government contracts.

The rallyist were women belonging to various grassroots social organizations in and around Varanasi, and representatives of social organizations in Varanasi’ neighbouring districts.

Students from Banaras Hindu University and Kashi Vidyapeeth helped organize the rally along with the women social activists of Varanasi, supported by the members of Sajha Sanskriti Manch.

The women gathered at Varanasi’ Shastri Ghat on the bank of river Varuna and deliberated their role in the next elections and to prepare the manifesto.

They were encouraged by women speakers from political parties and social organizations, who condemned what they said were the anti-women policies of the present regime.

The speakers also raised issues such as price rise, unemployment and inaction against politicians accused of sexual exploitation of women.

The participants also learned various issues facing women through dramas and songs presented by the artistes from the Delhi-based Ideal Youth Revolutionary Changes and Varanasi’s Prerna Kala Manch.

In the coming elections, they pledged to work for the victory of only those supporting women and their issues while ensuring the defeat of those using religion as their trump card.

Christians too supported the rally. Members of Conference of Religious of India and Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace, participated in the rally.

Neeti Bhai, an octogenarian member of the Indian Missionary Society, expressed joy at the large turnout of women from villages and city slums. He said these women will determine the future of Indian politics.

The rally drafted the women’s manifesto that articulated the fundamental needs and demands of the women of the nation.

It wants investigation and trial proceedings in cases of sexual crimes, domestic violence, dowry harassment, female feticide and every violence against women and transgenders to be carried out in fast-track courts.

The rally wants digital option for those complaining against sexual harassment and cyber crime. The process for claiming compensation and counseling should be made easy and accountable.

“Increase the number of hostels for women in educational institutions. Such institutions should stop curfew timings. Visakha Guide Line should be implemented,” says another demand in the manifesto.

The rally wants evaluation of committees and commissions from district to central level that address complaints related to exploitation of children, transgenders and women, and fill the vacant posts.

The number of women police should be increased. Training and examination of police personnel related to gender and child rights/human rights should be made mandatory, demands the manifesto.

The rape survivors and their families should get complete protection. Transparent and meaningful use of Nirbhaya Fund be ensured.

The rally wants regularization of all the Asha and Anganwadi workers and ensure social security in all such jobs.

It demands free education for girls up to graduation with proper arrangements for scholarships.

Another demand is to make 5,000 rupees a month as pension for widows, old aged and disabled. “Pension also be paid to all needy single women,” it adds.

The manifesto also wants free sanitary napkins available to women from low income group and fix the price of kitchen gas cylinder at 450 rupees.

It wants vaccine for Human Papilloma Virus made free for girls aged 9 to 14 years.