‘Women must be aware of their importance’

A slew of programmes celebrating Women’s Day were held in the city. Mary Joseph, dean, the Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, inaugurated a seminar conducted by the Southern Railways Working Women’s Organisation. She said it is  mandatory for women to be aware of their  importance.

“She should be assertive and not arrogant. She should learn to first respect herself. Once you learn to respect yourself, then people will respect you. Be creative and confident while knowing that you are extremely useful for yourself and society. Reach a state of self-actualisation,” she urged.

Critic M Leelavathi who inaugurated the Women’s Day programme organised by the Edappally Women’s Shema Samiti, Changampuzha Park, pointed out that more schemes focusing on the safety and security of women should be taken up by panchayats and municipalities. “Women’s organisations should strongly demand  for such measures. Women who have been subject to rape should be compensated well,” she suggested.She added that amendment of laws is not the only way to ensure women’s safety. Steps to ensure awareness and education are mandatory. V O Ajayakumar, secretary, District Legal Services Authority, inaugurated a women’s empowerment programme at Udayamperoor Police station on Friday.  A class on legal rights of women and children was held by Teena Cherian at the Rural Public Library. A midlife assessment clinic for women  at the Lakeshore Hospital was inaugurated by veteran journalist Leela Menon on Friday.