Leading women voices in the country came together demanding equality in agriculture, rural livelihood and ownership rights over land at the National Convention of Women Farmers organised by Mahila Kisan Aadhikaar Manch (MAKAAM) which got under way at Bapatla Agricultural College here on Thursday.
The three-day convention would deliberate on issues like rise in minimum wages of women farm hands, social security, sustainable development, new skills, use of non pesticide and bio degradable fertilisers etc.
Major demands
Among the major demands put forth by speakers were, to recognise women farmers, including land owners and women working on leased lands with a special focus on the marginalised, mainstream women in all government programmes, prioritise rain-fed agriculture, farming and land ownership, etc.
The speakers also demanded issuance of ID cards to women farmers, providing scale of finance, knowledge on diversification of crops etc.
Chairperson of National Commission for Women Lalitha Kumaramangalam said women have an equal right over the farm land. The social, cultural, historical perspectives placed women on an equal platform along with men since the ancient days, she said.
‘Parties lack sincerity on quota Bill’
The Chairperson also came down on major political parties for their stance on the women reservation Bill and said that it requires a great deal of public pressure on the legislative bodies.
Chairperson of AP Mahila Commission Nannapaneni Rajakumari said Andhra Pradesh has one of the largest percentages of women farmers in the country.
National facilitation team members, Rukmini Rao, Mogulamma, Arundhatu Dhuru from National Alliance for People Movement and UN women representative Subhalakshmi Nandu spoke.
Group discussions were held on challenges faced by women farmers, cultural social norms, practices and expressions etc.
Delegates from more than 20 states took part in the convention.
Representatives of various NGOs shared their experience in their fight for better wages, work conditions and social protection.
The social, cultural, historical perspectives placed women on an equal platform along with men since the ancient days.
Lalitha Kumaramangalam

Source : The Hindu