AIDWA Dakshina Kannada Meet Urges Action on Justice, Safety

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The 9th District Conference of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) in Dakshina Kannada was marked by strong calls for justice in unresolved cases and improved safety measures for women. Held at Rani Abbakka Nagar Stage, Bishop Jathanna Auditorium in Balmatta, the conference brought together grassroots activists, educators, and cultural figures committed to strengthening the social and legal safeguards for Indian women.

The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), a national organization focused on protecting women’s rights and promoting social equity, opened its conference with a ceremonial drumbeat by academic and writer Dr. Savita Bannadi. In her keynote remarks, Dr. Bannadi emphasised the need to confront patriarchal mindsets at the domestic level, noting that the persistent social exclusion of women has made a separate “women’s rights” movement necessary. She argued for a human-centric approach to reform, urging families to instill values of equality from childhood.

District President Jayanti B. Shetty officially inaugurated the gathering with a flag hoisting, followed by a welcome from theatre artist Geetha Suratkal. Other notable voices included poet Chandrakala Nandavar, AIDWA State Secretary Devi, and District Secretary Bharti Bolara. Collectively, the speakers warned against growing communal division and stressed the importance of preserving democratic values through community-led unity.

One of the main demands raised was the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the mysterious deaths of four women: Padmalatha, Sowjanya, Vedavalli, and Yamuna. Delegates insisted that justice in these cases had long been delayed and that only a dedicated investigation could uncover the truth.

The conference also addressed transportation concerns under the Shakti Yojana, a government initiative intended to provide free public bus services for women. Participants called for a more effective implementation through increased service availability. Additionally, the gathering reinforced the need for more stringent enforcement of existing laws aimed at curbing violence against women, with calls for faster judicial processes and better witness protection.

The event concluded with the election of a new district committee, signifying a continued focus on grassroots organisation and advocacy. AIDWA members left the gathering with a collective pledge to fight communalism and promote unity, highlighting the importance of preserving national integrity through civil discourse and legal fairness.

By aligning women’s security with national stability, the conference reflected a practical, values-driven approach that resonates with a broad spectrum of Indian society.