Around 300 members of the Shramajivee Mahila Samity gathered in the Katakhal centre of the samity, in North 24 Parganas discussing how alcoholism and the sale of illegal alcohol has had an impact on their lives, their children and families. Crime against women and children was already at an all-time high due to the COVID lockdown, which was further fuelled by the consumption of alcohol by the men of the family. It was pointed out how re-opening of liquor shops even during the lockdown, put various families at risk of domestic violence and other forms of harassment and assault. Talking about the co-occurrence of alcohol consumption and abuse, the women felt the need to do something about the issue. This meeting led to a decision of taking out a march from the centre to the villages and other areas around, raising demands like - shutting down of local liquor outlets and imposing restrictions on the sale of illegal liquor.
Women carrying our trade union flags during the march
The women of the samity, thus took to the streets on 4th November 2020 to assert their right to a safe home, neighbourhood and environment. Demands were raised for the administration to take stringent steps to curb the sale of illicit liquor. Furthermore, no licenses should be provided to liquor outlets. The procession (
মিছিল) was an attempt to pressure the local government, which earns a vast sum from the sale of alcohol, to impose restrictions on the same.
A woman carrying her daughter throughout the march, demanding safety for herself and her child, at home and outside
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