Dalit women have become leaders after long struggle: Dalit Stree Shakti convener

Vijayawada: Dalit Stree Shakti (DSS) convener Gaddam Jhansi said that decade-long struggle transformed Dalit women into leaders in the society who were ill-treated earlier.

She was the chief guest at the 12th State-level Annual Conference of Dalit Stree Shakti (DSS) organised at Ambedkar Bhavan here on Thursday.  National programme manager Daniel Vijaya Prakash also took part along with her.  

Jhansi said that the main aim of DSS was to make Dalit women to come to the mainstream and develop politically, financially and socially. The DSS was keen on giving better childhood for Dalit girls.

In a decade-long journey, they had tackled more than 5,000 cases of attacks on Dalit women and children, she recalled. They had overcome many hurdles for Dalit women empowerment. She stated that change should come in the society and people towards Dalits, she said.

Director of prosecution B Koteswara Rao has said special courts should be established to solve cases relating to attacks on Dalits without delay. "Precautions should be taken so that victims get compensation the accused get punishment," he urged.

Electricity department officers Anuradha and Manikyam have said that women should help women. "All benefits allocated for women should be spent for them," they said. 

Social Studies Centre director P Thomas has said that one should have good education to get recognition in the society. Women and Child Welfare Secretary K Sunitha, Ambedkar Foundation founder PSN Murthy and others were present. A poster was released on the occasion.