Women's Day by Ashodaya Samithi
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Ashodaya Samithi Programme Director Bhagyalakshmi expressed regrets that without even according the status of women, the society had ostracised them as sex workers. However, she pointed out that for sex workers it is a mere profession.
With a five-day programme from March 4 to 8 being carried out, various programmes such as film shows, debate competitions, dance shows have been undertaken to highlight the difficulties faced by women.
Film shows
With support from the Karnataka Film Academy, Ashodaya Samithi had screened 10 women oriented movies at Sriranga and Vanaranaga in Rangayana. Movies by international directors such as Jafar Panahi from Iran, Sun Zhou from China and our own Girish Kasaravalli, Shammi Kapoor, Prema Karanth and others were also screened.
‘Gulabi Talkies’ by Girish Kasaravalli and ‘Phaniyamma’ by Prema Karanth will be screened between 5 pm and 7 pm at Sriranga and between 7 pm and 9.30 pm at Vanaranga respectively on March 8.
Ashodaya Samithi Secretary Gowramma said that the movies are aimed at highlighting the issues faced by women. The films are receiving good response from the public, she added.
Debate competitions were organised at St Philomena’s College, SBRR Mahajana’s College and JSS Women’s College. The debates centred at introducing the conundrum of women. According to Gowramma more than 100 students participated in the competitions.
Rally
Women can participate to mark International Women’s Day by placing their palm print on a 15-feet long banner. Gowramma said a rally will be held on March 8, with women carrying pink umbrellas along with the 15-feet long banner.
Women achievers who have taken up professions that were male dominated will also be felicitated on March 8. Auto driver Veena, bus driver Ningamma, international badminton player Pooja, Inspector Devamma and Veronica Magar will be feted on the occasion. A dance show by Kolkata’s ‘Komal Gandhar’, a troupe of the children of sex workers will also be held.