Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane to stage protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on March 5 over policies impacting women, farmers, labourers and senior citizens

Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane to stage protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on March 5 over policies impacting women, farmers, labourers and senior citizens

## Bengaluru Gears Up for Women’s Rights Protest at Freedom Park

**Bengaluru, India – March 4, 2024** – A significant demonstration is slated for Freedom Park in Bengaluru tomorrow, March 5th, as the Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane prepares to voice strong opposition to a range of government policies perceived as detrimental to women, farmers, laborers, and senior citizens. The protest is expected to draw a considerable number of participants, united by concerns over economic hardship and social injustices.

At the forefront of the activists’ agenda is the escalating crisis surrounding microfinance loans, which they contend has ensnared a substantial number of women in a debilitating cycle of debt. The Sanghatane has highlighted alarming interest rates, frequently ranging between 25% and 30%, as a primary driver of this crisis. This aggressive lending practice, they argue, is not merely an economic burden but has also fostered an environment conducive to severe exploitation.

Reports from the ground indicate that women borrowers, desperate to repay crippling loan installments, are increasingly subjected to harassment and, in the most tragic instances, sexual exploitation. The psychological and social toll of such pressures has, in some cases, led to extreme measures, including suicide. The Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane asserts that these incidents are not isolated but represent a systemic failure to protect vulnerable populations.

Beyond the immediate concerns of microfinance, the protest is also set to address broader policy issues affecting agricultural communities and the workforce. Farmers, grappling with fluctuating market prices, inadequate support mechanisms, and the looming threat of climate change, are reportedly facing unprecedented economic instability. Similarly, laborers, particularly those in the informal sector, are said to be experiencing stagnant wages and precarious working conditions, with insufficient social safety nets in place.

The plight of senior citizens is another key focus of the planned demonstration. Concerns are being raised about the adequacy of pension schemes, access to affordable healthcare, and the overall erosion of social security provisions that are vital for their well-being and dignity in their later years. The Sanghatane intends to present a unified front, demanding accountability and immediate policy interventions to address these multifaceted challenges.

The organizers have emphasized that the protest is a call for a more equitable and just society, where the rights and welfare of all citizens are prioritized. They are advocating for regulatory oversight of microfinance institutions, enhanced support for farmers, improved labor protections, and robust social security measures for the elderly. The event at Freedom Park is anticipated to be a powerful platform for these demands, aiming to galvanize public support and exert pressure on policymakers to enact meaningful change. The Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane hopes that this demonstration will serve as a crucial catalyst for a more inclusive and supportive policy framework across the state.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.