Amid Elections, People In Kolkata Spotlight Labour Of Women Workers

In Kolkata, where political campaigns typically take center stage in public discussions, a subtle yet impactful movement is quietly gathering momentum. While the city pulsates with the fervour of election activities, a parallel initiative has emerged, drawing attention to the often overlooked struggles of women workers.

 A Women's Day Initiative

The start of this campaign can be traced back to t Women’s Day event in Kolkata. Here, amidst the celebration of womanhood, participants shared harrowing tales of their working conditions. Stories poured forth from diverse sectors: farms, tea gardens, jute mills, brick kilns, construction sites, and more. Each story showed a stark picture of exploitation, inequality, and struggle.

Moved by these narratives, three prominent organizations - Anjali Mental Health Rights Organization, Azad Foundation, and South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) India - joined hands to initiate the Nari Divas Udjapon Mancha (NDUM) campaign. This collaborative effort aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by women laborers and ignite a discourse on addressing their rights and demands.

Amplifying the Message

At the heart of the NDUM campaign lies a month-long poster drive, launched on May 1st and slated to continue till May 31st. These posters, decorated with a vintage aesthetic, serve as powerful conduits for the voices of working women. Designed by Metricfeed, they encapsulate the stark realities narrated by participants at the Women’s Day event and supported by reliable data.

Despite skepticism and cynicism, the response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive. Women's groups, labor rights organizations, and academics have embraced the initiative, sharing the posters far and wide. While some voices question the authenticity of the data, the prevailing sentiment is one of solidarity and advocacy for change.

Moving Beyond Awareness & Towards Action

For the organizers of NDUM, raising awareness is just the beginning. The next phase involves translating this momentum into tangible action. Talks are underway with government and non-governmental entities to address the immediate needs voiced by working women, such as access to childcare facilities and sanitation. The goal is to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, ensuring that the voices of women workers resonate not just in posters but in policy and practice.

By amplifying the voices of women workers, it challenges societal norms and demands accountability. As the posters continue to spread their message, they serve as a beacon of hope for a future where every woman's labour is valued, respected, and dignified.