Sonia urges social org to create awareness on rights

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 15: Congress president Sonia Gandhi today called upon social organisations in the country to create awareness among the people regarding the laws and their rights to bring down the cases of violence against women.

Inaugurating the Women's Centre, set up by the Women's Fellowship of South Kerala Diocese of Church of South India (CSI) here, she said the UPA Government at the Centre had passed many laws for the welfare of women and children, she added.

''Social organisations can play an important role in increasing the awareness of people on these legislations.'' Stating that women in Kerala were truly empowered, Ms Gandhi pointed out that the State indeed was a model to others on various aspects like social security and gender equality.

She said the emergence of self-help groups in different parts of the country had helped to improve the status of women. These groups should have links with banks to impart training to women.

Earlier, Ms Gandhi lit the traditional lamp to formally inaugurate the Women's Centre's new building, constructed at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore. CSI Moderator J W Gladstone said the Women's Fellowship aimed at uplifting and empowering women and spearheaded many social works. It imparted awareness classes in 14 subjects to the downtrodden.

Defence Minister A K Antony, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala were among those present on the occasion.

UNI