AIDWA district congress resolves to strengthen women’s movements in state

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: The second district congress of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) was held at the UTF District Office in Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema district, focusing on women’s rights, safety, and equality. State leader Poorna attended the meeting and addressed key social and economic issues affecting women.

District congress inaugurated

The event began with former District Treasurer Kandikatla Girija unfurling the AIDWA flag, followed by floral tributes to Raghavamma’s portrait. The meeting was presided over by Sudharani. State leader Poorna announced that the AIDWA State Congress would be held in Anantapur on October 13, 14, and 15, where key resolutions on women’s issues will be passed.

Focus on women’s safety and social issues

Poorna highlighted that the district congress discussed and adopted resolutions addressing violence against women, alcoholism, drug abuse, low wages, microfinance exploitation, usury, and privatization policies that affect livelihoods. She said that the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant poses a threat to the future of Andhra Pradesh’s working population and called for collective resistance against anti-people policies.

AIDWA’s role in women’s empowerment

Tracing AIDWA’s legacy since its founding in 1981, Poorna said the organization has been at the forefront of major women’s movements, securing landmark laws such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, Property Rights Act, Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, and Domestic Violence Prevention Act. She reiterated AIDWA’s consistent struggle for 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures and its efforts to uphold gender equality across caste, religion, and region.

Campaigns against alcohol and social awareness efforts

Poorna recalled that in 2023, AIDWA organized a Poru Yatra across the state to raise awareness and protest against the growing violence against women. She said AIDWA continues to campaign against liquor shops, conduct family counseling, and empower victims through democratic values. The organization also runs tailoring and skill training centers in ten districts, tuition programs for children, and medical camps to promote education and health among marginalized communities.

Call for policy reforms and welfare schemes

Poorna urged the government to fulfill promises such as the Rs 1,500 monthly support for girl children, zero-interest loans up to Rs 10 lakh, and 4% interest loans for single women. She emphasized the need for an alcohol-free society and the creation of safe living conditions for women through inclusive policies.

New district committee elected

Following the discussions, a new district committee was formed.
G Daiva Krupa and D Adilakshmi were elected as district president and secretary, respectively. R Sushila was appointed honorary president, Satyaveni as treasurer, and Haimavati and B Chandrakala as district office bearers. Ten others were elected as district committee members.

Solidarity from allied organizations

Several leaders and representatives expressed solidarity at the congress, including UTF Women’s Associate President Seetha Devi, Agricultural Workers’ Association State President Kaarem Venkateshwara Rao, District Secretary S Suryanarayana, Tenant Farmers’ Association District Secretary P Ramachandra Rao, CITU President G Durga Prasad, and SFI leaders K. Shankar and K Praneeth Sai.