SRINAGAR, March 8:(KNS)   On the occasion of International Women’s Day, CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Tuesday said that while celebrating women's achievements, we should strive for their rights and empowerment.

The origin of International Women’s Day lies in the struggles of women workers against their exploitative working conditions and to assert their rights.

According to the United Nations, the theme for International Women's Day 2022, is "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow". The theme honours the contributions of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response in order to create a more sustainable future for everyone. The Day is commemorated to raise awareness about gender equality and to recognize the accomplishments of women in all disciplines.

Despite claims of ‘women’s empowerment’ by the government, the reality is that the government itself undervalues women’s work throughout the country. Thousands of women employed in various schemes, like anganwadi workers, helpers under ICDS scheme, ASHA workers under NHM, midday meal workers –are not even recognised as workers and are paid a meager ‘honorarium’ or ‘incentive’. These women workers are fighting for wage enhancement, social security benefits, and dignity at workplaces as well as in the society. It is astonishing that even Budget allocations for ICDS, Mid-Day Meals and MGNREGA were reduced this year.

The recent acid attack on a Srinagar girl is inhuman and barbaric. Such incidents have no place in a civilized society. The perpetrators don’t deserve any clemency and should be given exemplary punishment so that these incidents don’t happen in future.(KNS)