West Bengal activists express concern over growing social evils

Kolkata, Apr 21 (UNI) West Bengal Women's Commission Chairperson Jasodhara Bagchi today expressed concern over evergrowing evils like dowry and child marriage plaguing society.

Speaking to mediapersons here, Mrs Bagchi said, ''Besides illiteracy and poverty, we must not forget the evils that globalisation has brought along with it. Child marriage has definitely decreased these days, but the dowry system is far away from being abolished. In fact, the problem has intensified over the years.'' Some eminent personalities, linked with women's rights associations, also spoke on the issue.

Each of them spoke on torture on women and violation of their rights, the sense of curse in women's minds to have been born a woman, an increase in rape and murder cases, the evil early marriages and the scourge of dowry which has intensified over the years.

Social worker and All India Democratic Women's Association Director Shyamali Mitra said that dowry system had been a part of Indian custom for a very long time ''and we are not able to do away with it because of our own greed''.

''Girls getting married early in life try to convince their parents to give them dowry,'' Mrs Mitra said, adding,''At times the parents consider this as a status symbol.'' ''Are we buying good grooms through this process? Isn't the bride's qualification or behaviour good enough to evaluate her quality?'' Mrs Mitra questioned.

She pointed out that this not the bi-product of poverty or illitracy alone. ''The problem is deep within our social system,'' she said.

Stating that taking legal steps alone will not help protect the rights of women or prevent social evils, she called for a better sense of awareness that alone could save women from being used and abused.

Women need to be more aware and free to approach the Women's Rights Activists and agencies who can legally help them regain their rights.

''Political movement or development are incomplete without social awareness and enlightenment. Social development can help bring people come together politically for a better cause,'' she said.

Others who spoke were journalist Bahruddin, Calcutta University Pro-VC Bharati Roy, poet and social worker Mallika Sengupta and theatre personality Usha Ganguly.

Television personality Bratati Bandhopadyay recited a few noted pieces from Rabindranath Tagore's works. Through her recital she also depicted the modern lives of 'Sita' and 'Draupadi' who, unlike the olden days, suffer in the hands of their male counterparts.

In her final recital, she highlighted on the movement carried out by social activist Medha Patkar.

UNI