The much-talked about 'Ladki Hun Lad Sakti Hun' campaign spearheaded by Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is about to make an entry in Madhya Pradesh.
The MP Mahila Congress (MPMC) has decided to launch the campaign in the state on January 14, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, with district level events.
Also, the Mahila Congress is planning to set up 'May I Help You' centres at district level for continuous support to women on different fronts.
The MPMC chief Archana Jaiswal told THE WEEK that the objective of the campaign is practical empowerment of women for their safe and strong future and no politics is involved.
“This is not about trying to get votes but to ensure that women become aware of their legal, educational, health and other rights, are able to exercise them freely and are also able to help others in need. Also, self-defence training and free legal counselling are part of the campaign,” Jaiswal said.
“We also want to emphasise that ‘Ladki Hun Lad Sakti Hun’ (I am a girl, I can fight) is not about women carrying guns or swords to fight but about them becoming so strong with knowledge of all necessary things that they could take upon any situation in life with confidence,” she added.
She said that the campaign will not be event-based but an ongoing process where members of different cells of Mahila Congress will conduct awareness among young girls and women on various issues and also assist them in seeking necessary help in case of any legal issue.
On January 14, however, launch events will be held at district level with free legal counselling and awareness camps. Jaiswal said this occasion was chosen for the launch as it symbolises a day of change when sun changes its direction of motion (uttarayan/winter solstice).
Jaiswal said that Priyanka Gandhi is expected to visit Madhya Pradesh in March this year and by that time, the awareness process would have percolated to ground level all across the state.
Reacting to the plan, state medical education minister Vishvas Sarang said that it was good that the Mahila Congress was taking initiative of strengthening and empowering women, but Priyanka Gandhi should also give answers on who were the Congress leaders involved in Sarla Mishra murder (of 1997) and on leaders like Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath who passed objectionable comments on women on public platforms.
Jaiswal said that the BJP leaders always talked of the past till the ancient times, but had nothing to show on the women's empowerment front. “The minister should tell us what steps have they taken in the past 18 years to empower women and provide a safe environment to them in the state. Why aren't any of their women leaders active?” she asked.
