On 2nd February 2023, a group of women’s rights activists gathered in Patna, India, to issue the “Patna Declaration,” a call to action for the promotion of gender equality. The declaration was issued by the National Alliance of Women’s Movements in India (NWMI), an umbrella organization of women’s groups and individuals across the country.
The declaration highlighted the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in India and called for the implementation of policies and laws to end gender-based discrimination. The activists emphasised the need for women’s economic and political empowerment, as well as the provision of education and health services to all women.
“The struggle for gender equality is far from over,” said a spokesperson for the NWMI. “Women continue to face discrimination in all spheres of life, from the workplace to the political arena. It is time for the government to take concrete steps to address these issues.”
The declaration also touched upon the need to address the increasing incidents of violence against women, including sexual assault and domestic violence. The activists called for the strengthening of laws to protect women and the provision of support services to survivors of violence.
The Patna Declaration was welcomed by women’s rights organisations across the country, who pledged to work together to promote gender equality. The declaration has been widely covered by national and international media, bringing attention to the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in India.
The NWMI has called for the government to take the declaration into consideration and to work towards creating a society that is truly equal for all women.
