Various programmes were organised in the city on Saturday on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.
The most notable among them was a strike declaration by a united forum of women’s organisations, led by Penkoottu, raising the right of woman workers in textile shops to sit down during work hours.
President of Anweshi K. Ajitha declared the protest open after a rally taken out by various volunteers and labourers from LIC Junction to the Sports Council Hall where a convention was held. The forum will collect information using the Right to Information Act on the kind of facilities provided to woman workers at textile shops in the city.
It will appeal to the Labour Officer, the State Human Rights Commission as well as the Labour Minister for the right of the woman workers to sit down.
If no favourable action was taken before May 1, the International Labour Day, the forum would organise protests, Secretary of Penkoottu P. Viji told The Hindu.
Writer and activist Sara Joseph inaugurated the convention.
She released a pamphlet, ‘Seize the right to sit’ by handing over a copy to Sreedevi, a labourer in the S.M. Street.