Kerala Vanitha Commission Chairperson and Justice Sree Devi has made a clarion call to the NRI to be role models of austerity in conducting marriages and construction of their houses. She was addressing the Vanitha Vedi gathering who accorded a warm reception to one of the most loved and respected judge and social worker in Kerala. Under her Chairpersonship the Vanitha Commission has given hope and aspiration to the abused, tortured women and children in Kerala. She described two of the main injustice faced by women in Kerala is the high dowry demands and sexual exploitation. For the rich marriages are a show their opulence. But for the poor it is the question of existence. So she requested the NRIs to set an example by avoiding lavish marriages and high dowry. Giving a fair share of parents wealth is different from dowry. More than dowry, girls has to be given the proper education enabling them to support themselves when dowry related crimes against them are on the increase and the consequent divorces. Proper counseling before marriage is important to youngsters to equip them for the new responsibility. About sexual crimes, she told the women are at the receiving end. Usually politicians and police work hand in gloves with the perpetuators of crime. With money and force they influence the witness some times even the victim. Court judgments are based on the evidence presented. Media also generally biased in their reports, caricatures and photos degrading the dignity of women and making them an object of sex. She cautioned about the misuse of mobile phones and internets. Pornographic publications and CDs are circulating even among primary school children leading to permissive and pessimistic society. Society has to response to such evils.
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She noted that Kerala Women’s Commission successfully rehabilitated so many girls who become the victims and taken the responsibility of educating them in secure environment. Parents should watch their wards in the schools and colleges around which sex rackets are operating and blackmailing students. The parents should keep a track on the going and coming of children especially if they behave indifferently and enquire about the gifts they bring. Drinking habit is the major evil faced by Kerala. At present this habit is spreading among the women also. Some misguided women’s groups are asking for ladies only bars in the name of women’s liberation. This habit is catching the new generation as a sign of modernism or boldness. This has to be discouraged in the social and family level. Spiritual leaders should show more concern for the eradication of this evil.
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She deplored the new tendency of neglecting parents in their old age which is alien to Indian culture. So the Government has to bring law to protect them. She also criticized the rush to Gulf for jobs like housemaids and labourers as Kerala lacks personnel for such services. She sited the example of coconut pluckers. As men are not available, the Vanitha Commission ventured to train ladies to do the job. One of the Vanitha Commission member herself took the challenge and now training others. First batch of 35 lady coconut pluckers are now out in the field doing the job. She concluded her speech soliciting the support of the NRIs to support humanitarian and charity works conducted by
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NGOs and dedicated people in Kerala especially for orphans, the sick and destituts. She made quick rapport with the audience and they heard her words of wisdom which has delivered with conviction, passion and authority. In reply to a question from the audience she made it clear that works for the interests of all women’s and not allow any extraneous factors like politics or religion interfere with it.
Memento to Justice Sree Devi was presented by Vanitha Vedi treasurer Valsamma George. Vanitha Vedi president Geetha Jayakumar presided over the function and general secretary Presanna Ramachandran welcomed the gathering. Felicitation speeches were made by Sajitha Skaria, Kala president G. Koickaleth and gen. secretary T.V. Hikmath. Valsa Sam proposed vote of thanks.