Over 100 Women from Chandigarh Gather at Press Club to Present Charter of Demands

Chandigarh, India – May 18th 2024 – The Press Club of Chandigarh witnessed a significant gathering of over 100 women, united to discuss and advocate for a comprehensive Charter of Demands aimed at transforming the city into a “Clean, Green, Safe and Gender Just City.” The event featured prominent political figures and provided a platform for women to voice their concerns and expectations from the upcoming 2024 general elections. The convenor of Women Voters’ forum Dr. Pam Rajput said that we want a clean, green and gender just city. In 2007 Mahila Bhawan was formed and she wants to restore it for the purpose it was made. Deepika Bahri added that we hope that the candidate who wins will be accountable and accessible. The women who were present at the event raised various questions related to beggars menace, Locked toilets, insecure localities and lack of access to education.

The forum worked hard and collected responses from all sects asking WHAT WOMEN VOTERS’ WANT? The survey was conducted in universities, colonies, rehabilitation centres and even the post areas of Chandigarh. After that the charter was framed.

Manish Tiwari from Congress took the lead in the discussion, meticulously addressing each point raised by the women. His engagement and detailed responses to the issues showcased his commitment to understanding and resolving the challenges faced by women in Chandigarh. The Charter of Demands, presented by the Women Voters Forum, encompasses a wide range of issues including safety, education, health, sanitation, and transportation.

Unfortunately, the BJP candidate Sanjay Tondon was unable to attend the event. Instead, he was represented by his son, Saransh Tandon, who conveyed his father’s apologies and reiterated their commitment to addressing the issues outlined in the Charter. Saransh assured the audience that the BJP would consider the demands seriously and incorporate them into their election manifesto. Asha Jaswal, ex-mayor assured that all the demands will be taken care of if they are voted to power.

The discussion was opened and the women present asked questions from the representative of both the parties.

Key highlights from the Charter include:

Conducting safety audits in all parts of the city with proper provision of street lights in dark and unsafe areas Improving safety measures for women and girls, including increased police patrols in backward areas.

Ensuring quality education with a focus on the monitoring of EWS quota and adherence to the RTE Act.

Enhancing sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas and educational institutions.

Upgrading health infrastructure, particularly in maternity wards, and increasing the availability of doctors in government hospitals.

Reforming public transportation to prevent harassment and ensuring the cleanliness and functionality of public transport services.

Reservation for women in all governing bodies.

 

The gathering concluded with a strong sense of solidarity and determination among the women, as they emphasized the need for gender-responsive policies and actionable plans to improve the quality of life for women in Chandigarh.

About Women Voters Forum

The Women Voters Forum is a dedicated platform advocating for the rights and interests of women in Chandigarh. The forum aims to influence political agendas to include gender-responsive policies and strives for a more inclusive and equitable society.