West Bengal Women’s Commission advocates for equal rights and gender empowerment at Kolkata Book Fair

West Bengal Women’s Commission advocates for gender equality at Kolkata Book Fair, emphasizing the need for men's involvement.

Members of the West Bengal Women’s Commission on Wednesday highlighted the importance of creating platforms to amplify women’s voices and encourage collective action towards equality, at the Kolkata International Book Fair. They advocated for equal rights and gender-based empowerment, emphasising the need to involve men in the conversation on the first day of the fair.

To make the space inclusive and make gender rights a part of popular conversation, the women’s commission is set to hold multiple events which will have performances by rescued girls and blind women. Women’s Cell, Howrah Police Station will be speaking on the experience of Trafficked women. Renowned veteran singer Arati Mukherjee and singer Iman Chakraborty will also be part of the events in the next days of the book fair set to continue till February 9. 

Speaking on the occasion, Leena Gangopadhyay, Chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Women said, “West Bengal Commission for Women always step towards empowering women by sharing stories, experiences, and expert insights that resonate with their struggles and aspirations. The International Kolkata Book Fair serves as a perfect platform to launch this initiative and connect with people from all walks of life.” 

Sanghamitra Ghosh, Principal Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Welfare and Social Welfare said that raising awareness and improving publicity around pressing issues are one of the biggest tasks of the commission. 

“We need to have this conversation at every level, especially for young girls and boys and make it a part of their curriculum so that gender equality is imbibed in their minds from the beginning. We are making our school children aware through the Kanyashree clubs. Women’s clubs are also being incorporated in this conversation to broaden the scope of change so we can do better work,” Ms. Ghosh told The Hindu.

Ms. Ghosh mentioned that raising awareness through Anganwadi centres is also a key part of the broader goal. She highlighted that Anganwadi workers, being at the grassroots level, play a crucial role in making gender issues a part of everyday conversations in households. This, she said, helps bring about visible change at the micro level, alongside the larger macro agendas.