International Women’s Day Observed by SCRMU on 08.03.2015

Report on the International Women’s Day Celebrations held in the Rail Nilayam Auditorium at Secunderabad by SCRM Union affiliated to AIRF on 9-3-2015.
The South Central Railway Mazdoor Union (SCRMU) affiliated to All India Railwaymen’s Federation and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) observed International Women’s Day on 9-3-2015 in a befitting manner by holding a meeting in the Rail Nilayam Auditorium at Secunderabad, in which more than 800 Railway Women Workers,Railway Women Officials and Central and Divisional Offifce bearers of SCRMU have participated.The meeting was presided over by Com.N.Arundhathi, Asst.General Secretary of SCRMU. Prof. Sheela Misra, Chair Person, Board of Studies, Osmania University was the Chief Guest on the occasion,
Com.N.Arundhati, Asst.General Secretary/SCRMU presented a report on various activities of the women’s wing of SCRM Union since the last International Women’s Day celebrations and thanked the General Manager /S.C.Railway for constituting a Sexual harassment prevention committee and for construction of an AC function hall in the premises of Rail Kalarang, Bhoiguda.
Dr.Usha K.Madalli, Chief Medical Director, S.C.Railway, Dr.Girija Sankar, Medical Director/Central Hospital/Lallaguda, S.C.Railway, Ms.Aruna Singh, Divisional Railway Manager.Hyderabad Division, S.C.Railway were the Guests of Honour.
While congratulating the women employees of S.C.Railway, Com. K..Srinivas, President, S.C.R.M.Union traced the history of International Women’s Day. He stated, that, even though the women are occupying pivotal positions, gender discrimination is still going on in the country. He stated, that, out of the total women work force, 94% of women working in the Unorganised Sector are deprived of minimum wages and the left over 6% working in the organized sector are not being provided with required facilities at their work place. The Mahila Reservation Bill has not yet seen the limelight. He also stressed the need of education for the girl children for the development of society and woman education will only bring a positive change in the society.. He assured, that, SCRM Union will fight for the welfare of the woman employees and for empowerment of women in the Trade Union movement.
Com.Ch.Sankara Rao, General Secretary, SCRM Union, Asst.General Secretary/AIRF speaking on the occasion stated, that, even though International Women’s Day is being observed for the last many years, cent per cent woman empowerment is not achieved till date and the privileges and rights achieved through the struggles and sacrifices by the leaders in the yester years have not reached to the women workers. He stressed the need of education for the girl children. He also stated, that, the women constitute 50% of the country’s population and there is no necessity for them to beg for their rights. With Unity, the women can achieve their legitimate demands.
While speaking on the occasion, Prof.Sheela Misra, Chair Person, Board of Studies, Osmania University and Chief Guest stated, that, for the women self confidence and personality development are necessary for progressing in life. She also stated, that, even though the women are equally shouldering responsibilities with men they are deprived of equal rights and privileges . She has also stated, that, to compete with men, creativity is very much required for the women as their life style and nature are different when compared to men. She stated, that, to prosper in the society and for development of the society, women education is must and the woman should protect their feminity and leave jealousness. She lauded the efforts of SCRM Union for empowerment of women. She also stated, that, women should not ignore their health but give due importance to it.
Dr.Usha K.Madalli, Chief Medical Director, S.C.Railway speaking on the occasion, stressed the need of health for women and stated, that, women should not ignore their health. While suggesting, that, women should undergo regular health checkups. She opined that a healthy woman will make a healthy society. She called upon the audience to make use of the health camps being organized by the Railway Medical authorities.
Smt.Aruna Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Hyderabad Division, S.C.Railway addressing the gathering assured, that, all the necessary steps will be taken to protect the woman employees.
Padmasri Mithali Raj, International Cricketer, who was felicitated on the occasion stated that women should have self confidence to achieve their rights and privileges.
Dr.Girija Sanker, Medical Director/Railway Hospital, Lallaguda congratulated the women employees on the occasion and enthralled the audience with a song.
The songs rendered by Ms.Deepti and the skit presented by Com.C.Krishna Kumari, Ex.Asst.AGS/SCRMU and party earlier received all round appreciation. While Com.Casendra Xavier, Asst.Divisional Secretary/SCRMU/Hyderabad Division welcomed the gathering, Com.Swaroopa, Asst.Divisional Secretary/SCRMU/Secunderabad Division proposed vote of thanks.

(Ch.SANKARA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY MAZDOOR UNION
&
ASST.GENERAL SECRETARY
ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION.