Women's "Coming Together" event held in Kilinochchi

October 3, 2004 – (TamilNet) A "Confluence" of Tamil Eelam Women Associations, Sangamam, was held in Kilinochchi Cultural Hall Thursday where more than 650 women activists from all regions of Kilinochchi took part, sources in Vanni said. Kilinochchi district LTTE Head of Women's Political Wing, Poovili presided the event.

Jaffna district parliamentarian Ms Pathmini Sithamparanathan lit the ceremonial lamp. Special commander of Malathi Brigade, Vithusha, hoisted the Tamil eelam flag, and Ms Santhanam, mother of martyr Lt.Allen, lit the flame of sacrifice for the photo frame of 2nd Lieutenant Malathy, according to sources attending the event.

Following Deputy Secretary of Kilinochchi district Women's Association, Teacher Ms. KiruthaGowri gave the welcome speech, Ms Poovili spoke on the mission of the Women's movement and the importance of Tamil women to actively engage in social improvement as a step towards improving their self-confidence.

Head of LTTE Women's Political Wing, Thamilini, said: "Our society has fashioned a web of discriminatory relationships based gender. The gender distinctions, and cultural norms based on these distinctions, the imposed stereotypes and prejudices are standing as obstacles to the equality of man and woman.

"Our liberation struggle has brought women's struggle to the forefront. We are successfully expelling superstitions ensconed in the dark recesses of our mind that portray women as secondary citizens. The women's liberation movement is forging ahead as an integral part of our greater struggle. The ideal of women's liberation is core to our national liberation movement.

"Our leadership demands us to turn into women with self-confidence. We should relentlessly seek social justice and work hard to learn new skills and trade that will release our inner energies. This will make us strong and independent, and make us capable to uplift our society," Thamilini said.

Dr. Elumathi Karikalan then spoke on the topic "Physical, Psychological growth in Children," and discussed medical issues with assembled women.

Ms.Sithamparanathan spoke on the importance of education to women. Kilinochchi Women's Association President, Mrs.KasiAnanthan explored ways in which the Sangamam Movement can further help women to reach common goals.

The event concluded with vote of thanks from Kanakapuram Women's Association Secretary Thanusiya.

From: http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=13041