Srinagar, Mar 08 : On the occasion of International Women’s Day, CPI (M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami Friday said that while celebrating women’s achievements we must call out inequality and gender discrimination.

While addressing activists of Women Association of Kashmir in Srinagar, he said amid the challenging times, the perfect way to celebrate the day is to remind that all men and women are equal and can work together in shaping the world. Focusing on women’s issues and empowerment is what we should strive for.

Thousands of women employed by the government under various schemes, like anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHAs workers,midday meal workers – all of whom cook and feed women and children, take care of their health etc – are not even recognised as workers and are paid a paltry amount as ‘honorarium’ or ‘incentive’. These women workers are fighting to be recognised as ‘workers’, for ‘wages’ for their work, not honorarium, Tarigami said as per a statement issued to the news agency.

Women workers are fighting for equal wages, for maternity benefits, crèches and safe, sexual-harassment free workplaces and dignity at workplaces as well as in the society, he said.

Urging the women to fight for a better world where they would be free from exploitation and gender based discrimination, he stressed that the huge increase in violence against women require sustained efforts to build up broad based resistance through united actions by women organizations and groups.

“We reiterate our commitment to continue our fight until we achieve our goal of emancipation and a society free from exploitation, carrying on the glorious traditions of International Women’s Day,” he added.

Others who participated in the discussion include Lateefa Convenor,Women’s Association of Kashmir and other activists—(KNO)