BHUBANESWAR: All India Mahila Congress general secretary and Odisha in-charge Sandhya Sawalakhe on Thursday targeted the State Government and the Centre for their failure to address issues concerning women.
Addressing the party’s Swabhiman Sankalp Samavesh at Congress Bhavan here, Sawalakhe said incidence of women exploitation has not reduced in the last 18 years of this Government. She asked the members of Mahila Congress to raise awareness about women issues and fight against the growing crime against women.
The Samavesh was inaugurated by president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Niranjan Patnaik. “After a long time, the State Mahila Congress has come together and started the Swabhiman Sankalp Samavesh. “I sincerely hope and believe that the members will take steps to strengthen Mahila Congress and contribute to Odisha’s development,” he said.
Other Congress leaders voiced their concerns over rising incidents of crime against women, rape, sexual abuse of teenagers and domestic violence.The Mahila Congress launched a 24-hour helpline service for women at the Samavesh. The 24-hour helpline number is 7008999858. President of Odisha Pradesh Mahila Congress Sumitra Jena said women who have been tortured can call the number for help.