TAMIL WOMEN'S PROBLEMS SPOTLIGHTED IN VAVUNIYA GATHERING

August 17, 2004 - (TamilNet) A gathering of Tamil Eelam Women Associations, Sangamam, was held in Vavuniya Irambaikulam Girls Maha Vidiyalayam Monday on a grand scale. Noting that "women are subjected to more violence than during the war period", Vavuniya district Political Head of the LTTE's Women Wing, Ms Alai, said that the gathering was conducted to study about the violence and the forces behind the atrocities committed against women.

Ms Thamilini, LTTE women political head hoisted the Tamileelam flag and Mr.T. Gnanavel, Vavuniya District Political Head of the LTTE lit the flame of common sacrifice.

Vanni district parliamentarians Messrs Selvam Adaikalanathan, Sivasakthi Anandan, S.Kanagaretnam, Jaffna district parliamentarian Ms Pathmini Sithamparanathan, LTTE medical officer Ms Elilathi Karikalan, Mullaitivu District Government Agent Ms Imelda Sukumar and several other leading personalities participated in the event.

"Tamil women have greatly contributed to the success of the current armed Tamil liberation struggle. Sri Lanka Army and Police have recruited more women to their ranks because of the LTTE," said parliamentarian Mr.Selvam Adaikalanathan in his speech. He also noted that the "Tamil national leader has given more important place to women in the freedom struggle equal to men".

Proceedings were conducted till evening presided by Ms Alai.

From: http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12694