Conference on Women Achievers – 2009 (WACON ’09), the Third State Conference of SHAKTI was conducted on 25th and 26th of April 2009 at YNP Trust Hall, Fort Cochin. The aim of the conference was to give a platform for the women from different strata of our society to meet and learn from each other.

Dr. B Sandhya, I.P.S inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp. In her inaugural address Dr. Sandhya said that gender specific development is the need of the hour and that women should break the glass ceiling and come up in career. In Maharastra, property registered in a women’s name is eligible for 10% discount in stamp duty, while Kerala known for its high rate of women literacy and population remains in the dark as far as this provision in the property law is concerned. She also urged the SHG groups to fly high rather than confine themselves to pickle and pappad making. She also touched upon the need to improve facilities for women across the state and lamented over the deplorable situation prevailing in the state. Moreover, she urged that it is high time that the government considered 30% reservation for women in politics and that it is high time that the situation where a couple of women candidates only are contesting elections should get changed.

Technical session began with a talk by Dr. Sarada Dasaji, of Oneness University, Chennai. Her talk focused on the Ying and Yang energy flow in human beings. She said that modern life is all about measurement. Every one compares everything with everyone else and feel depressed, thus fail to enjoy all the little joy in life. Mind is running on the fuel, comparison and modern man always confront conflicting situation as he fails to accept `the present ` in life. She stressed the need to have inner integrity by accepting the truth as it is to negate the inner conflict.

Group Discussions

• The fisher women folk complained about lack of financial support from government agencies and said that panchayats are of no help to them.
• The SHG groups had the urge to learn more to earn more.
• Home makers expressed concerns about changing dimensions of human relationships and value erosion in new generation.
• The scientists/teachers group had expressed the desire to conduct periodical counseling to young girls and make them aware of the value based education system.

Invited talk of the day 2 was delivered by Padmasree Sugatha Kumari after a formal introduction of the guest to the audience by Dr. Rajalakshmi Subramanian . Smt. Sugathakumari in her emotional speech depicted the sorry state of affairs of women in general and girls in particular. She narrated real life stories of child abuse and rape victims. She also emphasized the need of ensuring equality, security and authority to women through her inner strength which is not skin deep.

The chief gust of the valedictory session was Dr. Khadeeja Mumtaz. Dr. Mumtaz in her speech said that women were hesitant to take up social responsibilities as they are fearful that their role as a home maker will be affected. She also insisted that mothers should ensure adequate care to their girl children and that they should make them feel that they are cared and loved. She also cautioned that the history of girls getting trapped in sex rackets can be traced back to insecure and broken homes. Sri Arjun, Mukkunnath, State Organizing Secretary, Swadeshi Science Movement, in his valedictory address said that women were always given higher status by our ancient society and that modern society should ensure the same status to women. Dr. Rosamma Stephen presented the consolidated report of the meet and cash prizes were distributed to the winners of the essay competition conducted in connection with the meet. Dr. Sudha Scientist, TBGRI was declared as the woman achiever from among the scientific community considering her efforts in popularizing medicinal plant cultivation among the rural women of Alleppey district. The meeting culminated with the vote of thanks by Dr. Rajalakshmi Subramanian.