Hyderabad, Jan.28 (RAHNUMA): The final day of the 14th National Conference of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) concluded here on Wednesday with the unanimous adoption of international and national political reports, along with reports on work and organisational matters.
A total of 76 delegates from 26 states participated in detailed discussions, offering comments and suggestions, which were acknowledged by the general secretary.
Seven commission papers were presented during the conference, focusing on key contemporary issues: women and imperialism, the impact of Manuvadi ideology on laws relating to women, caste and gender inequality under Hindutva politics, the condition of women informal workers, urbanisation and the Smart City Mission, women in sports, and challenges faced by women in the digital world, including rising cybercrimes. Reports on all commission papers were discussed and adopted.
The conference passed 18 resolutions addressing important national and international issues. The credential committee report was presented by Prachi Hatiwlekar.
Delegates elected a 109-member Central Executive Committee (CEC), including 20 new members. The CEC, in turn, elected a 36-member National Secretariat. P.K. Sreemathi was re-elected as National President, Kaninika Bose Ghosh was elected General Secretary, and Tapasi Praharaj became the new Treasurer.
Malini Bhattacharya and Rama Das were inducted as patrons, joining existing patrons Brinda Karat, Banani Biswas and Rekha Goswami. Outgoing General Secretary Mariam Dhawale and Treasurer Punyavathi were honoured for their exemplary contributions.
Both outgoing and incoming office-bearers pledged to strengthen the organisation and intensify struggles against Manuvadi ideology and politics. The conference concluded with the presidential address by P.K. Sreemathi, followed by sloganeering and the singing of “We Shall Overcome”.
Let’s fight for our children, every woman must come forward – PK Sreemathi
Re-elected AIDWA National President P.K. Sreemathi called upon women to intensify struggles for a better future for coming generations. Addressing delegates, she said that the relatively better conditions women enjoy today are the result of past struggles and must be carried forward with renewed determination.
She highlighted AIDWA’s long history of united struggles and asserted that these would continue with greater strength. Praising the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala for its gender-just policies, she contrasted it with BJP-ruled states, accusing Manusmriti-driven forces of curbing women’s rights.
Sreemathi stressed that future struggles must focus not only on the right to life but also on education, healthcare, employment and housing. She noted that Kerala’s alternative policies have helped it lead in key development indicators and achieve the distinction of eradicating extreme poverty, and questioned why similar welfare measures could not be implemented elsewhere.
Thanking all contributors, she lauded the efforts of AIDWA members in Telangana for successfully hosting the conference, noting that despite having fewer members compared to Kerala, their commitment and hard work ensured its success.
