Agartala, March 9:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Girls’ Proutist, Tripura State Branch, submitted a detailed memorandum to West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar on Monday, urging the administration to take urgent and concrete measures to safeguard women’s rights, dignity, and security.
A delegation of the organization met the District Magistrate and highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women despite the presence of several legal protections. Speaking to reporters after submitting the memorandum, members of the delegation said that women have always been equal partners in shaping society. They emphasized that women have contributed immensely to progress in education, science, politics, culture, and economic development, working alongside men as co-architects of civilization.
However, they expressed concern that women across the country still face various forms of discrimination and exploitation. According to the delegation, social evils such as child marriage, dowry practices, female foeticide, domestic violence, and the increasing incidents of sexual assault continue to threaten the dignity and safety of women. They stressed that the existence of laws alone is not sufficient unless they are implemented strictly and supported by strong social awareness.
Quoting the renowned poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the representatives said, “Half of all that is eternal and good in the world has been created by women, half by men,” emphasizing the need for equal recognition and respect for women’s contributions.
The memorandum submitted to the District Magistrate contained an eleven-point charter of demands aimed at strengthening women’s empowerment. Among the key demands were free education for girls up to the university level, equal representation of women in governance and decision-making bodies, and compulsory self-defense training for girls in schools and colleges.
The organization also called for stricter punishment for rape and sexual crimes, complete eradication of the dowry system, and a ban on obscene and degrading portrayals of women in media. In addition, they demanded economic decentralization and the introduction of programs that would ensure women’s financial self-reliance.
Another major demand raised in the memorandum was the complete prohibition of drugs and alcohol, along with the creation of alternative employment opportunities for people dependent on those sectors.
The Girls’ Proutist stated that their initiative is part of a broader global movement for women’s empowerment. They expressed hope that the administration would give serious consideration to their demands and take necessary steps to build a safer, more equitable, and dignified environment for women in Tripura.
