Women’s groups in Nagapattinam rally for safety, dignity, and stronger protection

More than 500 women from various community organisations took part in a rally and signature campaign here as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, demanding stronger legal protections, welfare measures, and faster justice delivery for survivors of violence.

The annual international campaign, observed from November 25 to December 10 and recognised by the United Nations, has been under way since 1991 to raise awareness of gender-based violence and to push governments to strengthen policies and laws. Joining this global call, the Tribal Women’s Forum, Widowed Women’s Rights Association, Tamil Nadu Fisherwomen Labour Union, Fisherwomen’s Federations and the All India Democratic Women’s Association organised the mobilisation in Nagapattinam.

Participants highlighted the continuing vulnerability of women — particularly tribal women, widows, fisherwomen, and unorganised-sector workers — and urged the State government to address gaps in livelihood security, social welfare, and legal protection.

Speakers emphasised the need for timely issue of community certificates for tribal families, sustainable livelihood programmes, priority housing for single women, and an exclusive welfare department for widowed women. Fisherwomen’s groups reiterated long-standing demands for the inclusion of fishing communities in the Scheduled Tribes list, dedicated constituencies for fishers, recognition of women fish vendors through official identity cards, basic amenities in fish markets, and relief measures that cover women during monsoon and fishing-ban seasons.

They condemned the rise in sexual violence across the country and cited cases such as the assaults in Manipur, the Asifa and Bilkis Bano cases, and the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh to underline concerns. They called for swift police action, timely filing of chargesheets, disposal of pending POCSO cases, and effective Internal Complaints Committees at workplaces.