Society will change when men and women change their behaviour towards other women: Chakankar

Kolhapur: Maharashtra state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday said meaningful social change would be possible only when men transform their outlook towards women, and when women, too, change how they treat other women."Kolhapur is the progressive land of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and carries forward the legacy of Maharani Tarabai. Initiatives for women's empowerment beginning here will inspire the entire state. While advocating for women's rights across Maharashtra, we believe society can truly change when men's attitudes evolve. But it is also a reality that women sometimes become obstacles to other women's rights. This mindset must change. Women should uplift, not demean, one another," Chakankar said.She was speaking at the inauguration of a one-day workshop, titled ‘Sakshama: Women's Empowerment through Awareness of Women's Laws and Eradication of Superstitions', jointly organised by the Maharashtra State Women's Commission, Shivaji University's internal complaints committee, the Beti Bachao Abhiyan and the university's student development department. University registrar Dr Vilas Shinde and deputy superintendent of police Suvarna Patki were present too.She said the women's commission has now received the authority to initiate punitive action, provisions that now serve as a significant safeguard for 31% of working women. These strengthened legal measures, she said, have become an effective tool for protecting women.Chakankar appealed to women to support widows by including them in traditional ceremonies like haldi-kumkum and to stop insisting that they discard symbols of marriage. She urged communities to welcome the birth of daughters, oppose child marriage, and extend solidarity to all women. "For nearly 200 years, ever since Savitribai Phule began her fight for womanhood, we have continued that struggle. Now, we must prepare to fight the battle for motherhood as well," she said.Throughout the day, experts conducted sessions on various women-centric laws. Political science professor Dr Bharati Patil explained the provisions of the POSH Act, while radiologist Dr Sunil Kuber, social activist Geeta Hasurkar and advocate Gauri Patil discussed awareness regarding the PCPNDT Act. Sociology professor at SUK, Dr Pratibha Desai spoke on the Swayamsiddha and Stree Shakti portals and advocate Seema Patil , along with social activist Nandini Jadhav , addressed the importance of eradicating superstition in contemporary society.The event was attended by the commission's member secretary Nandini Awade, finance and accounts officer Dr Suhasini Patil, student development department director Dr Tanaji Chougule, women and child development officer Suhas Waingade, as well as Shilpa Patil and Varsha Patil. Teachers, students and representatives from various women's organisations participated in large numbers.