AICWETE celebrates Women’s Day in style
By A Correspondent /New Delhi
Former Delhi High Court judge, Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui said the domestic violence is the most pervasive social crime in the Indian particularly in Hindu society. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Emancipation through Education’ on the eve of International Women’s Day organized by the All India Confederation of Women Empowerment Through Education (AICWETE) here at the India Islamic Culture Center.
Delving into the issue of women empowerment, Justice Siddiqui said women in India have been facing discrimination and subjugation at different levels. Justice Siddiqui, who is also a former chairman of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, pointed out that Hindu women are more subjected than other women to domestic violence for the greed of dowry or the other reasons.
“When I was a judge at the Delhi High court, I used to hear domestic violence and dowry death cases on daily basis. It is strange that Hindu mythology accords so much respect to women but they face such cruel and inhuman treatment.”
According to Justice Siddiqui, in Hindu mythology Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi are the symbols of power, knowledge and wealth and they are worshipped as the three main goddesses. However in daily life women are the most victims of domestic violence. They are burnt for dowry and many other causes. Justice Siddiqui said political empowerment for women is needed adding that women have a constructive mind who reform society and to get rid of social evils from society.
India has by far the highest number of dowry related deaths in the world according to Indian National Crime Record Bureau as the bride burning case is occurred at every hour.
His remarks about Hindu women’s plight assume significance in the backdrop of ongoing malicious propaganda on triple talaq issue that Muslim women are victims of male chauvinism.
On the occasion, AICWETE chairperson, Dr. Shabistan Ghaffar said women are suffering because of denial of their rights in a patriarchal society. While highlighting the activities of women empowerment run by her NGO, She said if a woman is to be empowered, this should be done by providing right and effective means of economic and social upliftment to her.
AICWETE’s mission is to empower and improve women economic and social condition on a permanent basis by providing them opportunities to access skills and by providing them training in various skills which will be certified by government agencies like NSDC, Dr Ghaffar added.
It has been successfully running ‘Hunar SE Rozgar tak Programme’ for the last two years, bringing drop-out girls to school again and providing scholarship for higher education to economically poor girls . Under the Hunar programme, two batches of girls were trained in fashion designing and stitching at an Export Garment Company. AICWETE is also helping these women to get acquainted with the latest market trends in Indian as well as International Apparels and jewelry. They are also equipped with training in computer and internet surfing etc and soft skill for personality development.
It also provided funds to some women for setting up their individual viable/profitable micro business units. As a result in a year, many women have been able to develop their own business centers.
On the occasion, AICWETE invited resourceful persons and experts to give insights on girl education and skill development. Mr. Sundar Kukreja, MD & CEO Mohan Overseas Pvt. Ltd, Prof Halima Sadiya Rizvi of Jamia, Anju Mehrotra, Mrs Preity Rawat, Naimur Rehman (Chennai), Mrs Fidous, Mrs Bella Das and others enlightened the gathering.
An apparel brand called ‘SARA’ was launched on the occasion which is run by the girls trained in fashion designing.