The Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad, a pioneering feminist organisation, is set to host a significant three-day statewide conference in Mumbai from December 20 to 22, 2025. This landmark event coincides with the collective's completion of 50 years of activism dedicated to women's empowerment, equality, and justice across Maharashtra.
A Golden Jubilee Reflection and Roadmap
The conference will be held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan Centre in Mumbai. Its core objective is to conduct a comprehensive review of the women's movement's journey over the past five decades while strategically charting the direction and priorities for the next 50 years of struggle. Organisers have confirmed that all preparations are complete to welcome representatives from all 25 districts of the state, ensuring wide geographical participation.
Addressing the media ahead of the conference, key office-bearers including president Sharada Sathe, vice president Chayanika Shah, secretary advocate Nisha Shivurkar, and treasurer Dr Chhaya Datar outlined the event's vision. They were joined by prominent members like Lata Bhise Sonawane, Dr Manisha Gupte, Hasina Khan, Sunita Bagal, and Shubhada Deshmukh, who collectively reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen and expand the movement's reach.
Concerns Over Backsliding and Normalised Aggression
While acknowledging the movement's historical achievements, the organising committee expressed deep concern over what they perceive as a gradual regression in recent times. They cited the changed functioning of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission as a prime example. Established in 1993, the Commission once worked in close coordination with women's organisations, involving them in inquiry committees and collaborative law amendment discussions. The organisers noted that such participatory processes have largely halted.
A major point of alarm raised is the increasing normalisation of aggression and violence in the current social atmosphere. The committee emphasised that this climate disproportionately impacts women from minority communities, including Christians and Muslims. They argued that genuine women's progress is only possible when societal attitudes are challenged, and values like peace, dialogue, and mutual respect are prioritised. Meaningful change, they stated, requires collective thinking and understanding across all sections of society.
Conference Agenda and Symbolic Tributes
Reflecting its inclusive ethos, the conference will feature a stage backdrop displaying photographs honouring foundational figures of the women's movement in India: Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, and Pandita Ramabai.
The three-day agenda is packed with critical discussions:
- Day One (Dec 20): Sessions will focus on domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, sexual and custodial violence, caste and communal violence, and a Constitution-based perspective on women's issues.
- Day Two (Dec 21): Deliberations will cover economic and political conditions, public health, environment, development, and the impact of new labour laws. Cultural programmes like street plays and dance-dramas will run alongside.
- Day Three (Dec 22): The event will culminate in a rally and public meeting at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, where memorandums will be submitted and the future roadmap for the Parishad's work will be announced.
The conference is designed to be a springboard for sustained action. The Parishad plans to strengthen initiatives like continuous workshops, capacity-building programmes, legal support, counselling, and partnerships with training organisations. It aims not just to celebrate 50 years but to actively raise awareness about contemporary political and economic realities and thoughtfully engage the younger generation in the ongoing fight for dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity for all women.
