KOZHIKODE: To mark International Women’s Day, various programmes including a women’s rally were held here on Thursday. The major highlight of the day were the free driving classes provided to the women who had got a driving licence but were yet to start driving. The initiative was taken forward by the Driving School Association of Kerala- District chapter. The session was held in various parts of the District. “Between 50 to 60 women get the driving licence during every driving test. But a majority of them are still scared of taking their own vehicles out,” said Manoj P, the association executive member.
“The major reason is they are always discouraged by society and hence our initiative is to promote more women to use their own vehicles confidently,” he added. The other highlight of the day was a night marathon organised by an event management group at Kozhikode with the support of the district administration and various other organisations. The night marathon was organised to spread the message that women were safe even at night in Kozhikode city. Various celebrities, political leaders and Government officials were part of the programme.
All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) organised a rights declaration rally of women putting forward various demands and rights including reservation for women. The students of JDT Islamic arts and Science College made the day different by organizing programmes like live drawing of noted personalities, folk songs and speeches on women’s rights. Dr Lalitha, speaking during the seminar organized by the Kerala Newspapers Employees Association said, “women’s day should be the day to take a pledge to fight against the exploitation of women and problems being faced by them”.
