Lakhs of women turned up across the 14 districts of the state to stand alongside each other as part of the ‘vanitha mathil’ or women’s wall programme on Tuesday. (Express Photo) Lakhs of women turned up across the 14 districts of the state to stand alongside each other as part of the ‘vanitha mathil’ or women’s wall programme on Tuesday. (Express Photo) In line with the attempts of the ruling Left government in Kerala to project a progressive and liberal outlook on gender issues, lakhs of women turned up across the 14 districts of the state to stand alongside each other as part of the ‘vanitha mathil’ or women’s wall programme on Tuesday. Minister for Health and Family Welfare KK Shailaja became the starting point of the women’s wall in northern Kasaragod district while Politburo member and senior CPM leader Brinda Karat stood as the concluding link of the wall in the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district. The entire ruling LDF cabinet, senior leadership of the CPM-led coalition, leaders of community organisations like the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, which represents the Hindu Ezhava community, those of the Punnala Sreekumar faction of the Kerala Pulaya Mahasabha, representing the SC community, Left-aligned intellectuals, writers, thinkers, activists and actors participated in the movement. The idea of the women’s wall took shape in the backdrop of the protests around entry of women at the hill shrine in Sabarimala. The ruling CPM-led government has backed the entry of women of all ages and stressed the legal responsibility of the government to abide by the top court verdict on the matter. The women’s wall has been envisaged as a counter to the RSS-BJP campaign behind the Sabarimala protests where the latter has taken a position backing the traditions of the temple which do not favour the entry of women of menstruating age. Through the programme, the ruling Left parties have indicated their intention to stand on the right side of history, to hold aloft the renaissance values and ideologies that shaped the social reform movements of Kerala. Politburo member and senior CPM leader Brinda Karat stood as the concluding link of the wall in the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district. (Express Photo) Politburo member and senior CPM leader Brinda Karat stood as the concluding link of the wall in the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district. (Express Photo) At Edappally, one of the busiest traffic points in Ernakulam district in central Kerala, the sun shone brightly as scores of women lined up on the side of national highway 66. While there were not a lot of kids or minors, there were indeed a lot of elderly women. Exactly at 3.30 pm, the women stood shoulder to shoulder along the entire highway stretch, many wearing the traditional ‘kasavu mundu’. Announcements were made over the microphone not to clog the road traffic and to avoid accidents. Senior CPM leadership including district secretary CN Mohanan, former secretary P Rajeev, Politburo member MA Baby, Politburo member Subhashini Ali, writer M Leelavathy were present at the event. Nuns of the Jacobite faction of the Christian Church were also present. At 4 pm, the women were requested to raise their hands forward and take a pledge to uphold and protect the social reform values of Kerala and to support the constitutional tenets of gender equality. Nithya, 23, a member of the KPMS from Vypeen who works at the IT hub of Infopark in the city, said she had come to show her solidarity with the ‘government’s vision of a gender equal society.’ Preparations begin for the 620- km women’s wall in Ernakulam. (Express Photo: Vishnu Varma) Preparations begin for the 620- km women’s wall in Ernakulam. (Express Photo: Vishnu Varma) “We have to create a new generation that’s well aware of our state’s rich social reform movements and what they stand for. We have to fight against blind traditions and superstitions,” she said. Elizabeth, a school teacher and a member of the Left-backed Kerala State Teachers Association, said the movement was an important marker of female empowerment at a time when the women’s right to pray has been violated by male-dominated protests at Sabarimala. “Viswasam ulla sthreekal keranam (Those who have faith in the deity must be able to enter and pray),” she said. “It’s a Supreme Court order and the Kerala government has to follow it. The Pinarayi government is handling it in a mature manner. Some political organisations are playing games by making women stand in front,” she added. At 4 pm, the women were requested to raise their hands forward and take a pledge to uphold and protect the social reform values of Kerala and to support the constitutional tenets of gender equality. (Express Photo) At 4 pm, the women were requested to raise their hands forward and take a pledge to uphold and protect the social reform values of Kerala and to support the constitutional tenets of gender equality. (Express Photo) At the same time, as common with political rallies and public events, there were participants who could not rationally explain why they were there. It was evident that they had been mobilised by community organisations for the sake of building a crowd. There were also those who took contradictory positions. Ani, a housewife and a member of the KPMS from Vypeen, said she came for the programme to stand for the rights of women. “But in the Sabarimala issue, we are on the side of belief (which bars women of menstruation age),” she responded smiling. Her friend, Sarada, also from the same neighborhood, laughed and nodded. The women’s wall disbanded at a public meeting. (Express Photo: Vishnu Varma) The women’s wall disbanded at a public meeting. (Express Photo: Vishnu Varma) Shortly after the women’s wall disbanded, at a public meeting, 91-year-old M Leelavathy, one of Kerala’s most admired and respected literary critics and writers, underlined in a short speech that gender equality must not remain restricted to cultural and social spheres. “There must be changes in the political sphere too,” she said. “For example, there’s a women’s reservation bill in Parliament. It advocates 33% reservation for women in parliamentary constituencies.<doc-sep>Women’s wall in Kerala HIGHLIGHTS: A human chain, composed entirely of women, from Kasaragod district in northern Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south took shape. (Express photo by Nithin) Women’s wall in Kerala HIGHLIGHTS: A human chain, composed entirely of women, from Kasaragod district in northern Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south took shape. (Express photo by Nithin) Lakhs of women in Kerala took a pledge to protect the renaissance value as they formed a 620-km “wall” from Thiruvananthapuram to the northern district of Kasaragod. Marshalled by the Kerala government and a section of Hindu organisations, the wall was organised against the backdrop of the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala, however, the content of the women’s pledge has no reference to the shrine. These Hindu organisations are among the ones that have supported the government’s stand on the entry of women of all ages into the temple. Read in Malayalam The decision to stage the wall was taken earlier in December in a meeting of various Hindu organisations, which was convened by the CPI(M)-led government. Explaining the aim of forming a women’s wall, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Monday said, “The CPI(M) considered addressing women’s issues as part of the party’s class struggle. Such an initiative (women’s wall) is required to protect the renaissance tradition of the state.” Women, who have agreed to take part in the event, will begin assembling by the side of the national highways across all 14 districts by the afternoon. The wall is likely to stand for about half an hour before dispersing.<doc-sep>Lakhs of women in Kerala took a pledge to protect the renaissance value as they formed a 620-km 'wall' from Thiruvananthapuram to the northern district of Kasaragod. (Image: Twitter/@neelippenu In a defining moment for feminist politics in Kerala, lakhs of women filled the roads from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram and took a pledge to protect the renaissance value and uphold gender equality. Although the wall was organised by the state's Left Democratic Front (LDF) against the backdrop of the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala, the women's pledge reportedly had no reference to the shrine. Here are 10 developments from the venue 1. Organisers claimed more than 50 lakh women, including actors and political leaders from across the state, came to support the 620-km Vanitha Mathil or the women's wall. 2.Women joined hands along the national highway (NH) to connect the south and north ends of the state for five minutes. "Today's women wall formation was an aim to strengthen gender equality. Women should no longer be pushed into dark sides," CPM leader Brinda Karat said. 'Women Wall' mobilised women of all age groups, creating a human chain for 625 kilometers in Kerala. @Lokpria tells you what this movement means for the LDF government. #ReporterDiary More videos: https://t.co/FAHzdjSiWA pic.twitter.com/IXA58Siqt2 India Today (@IndiaToday) January 1, 2019 3. On Tuesday afternoon, Women from across 14 districts in Kerala reportedly started assembling by the side of the national highways by 3pm. 4. The event finally began at 4 pm and saw women of all ages thronging the venue. 5. Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja became the first block of the chain in Kasargod while CPI(M) PB member Brinda Karat formed the final block in Thiruvananthapuram. 6. The LDF government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, said it won't allow Kerala to be taken back to the dark ages, and that women have equal rights. 7. With close to 50 lakh women attending the event, it is believed to the largest women's gathering in the world. 8. Swami Agnivesh was also seen greeting women forming the wall in Trivandrum. "Women's wall is a great opportunity. I have come here to participate in the event because I am a male feminist.The BJP's double standards have been exposed," he said. 9. Activist Tanuja called it the second renaissance. "The women wall wants to say aloud that we are equal. This is second rennaisance, a period where the new generation has come forward to discuss issues. The women's wall is a place for women to discuss their issues and create a new world where they are equals," she said. 10. CPM leader Rajeev termed the women's wall as an answer to all allegation raised by the opposition. "Women have participated for a common cause to protect the secular fabric of Kerala," he said. The Kerala government has been facing heat from both the BJP and the Congress over its efforts to implement the Supreme Court verdict. The top court earlier struck down a ban that prevented women aged between 10 and 50 from entering the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, considered to be eternally celibate. (With inputs from PS Gopikrishnan Unnithan and Lokpria Vasudevan)<doc-sep>By Online Desk As the Kerala government prepares to welcome New Year in the state by organising the Women’s Wall or Vanitha Mathil on Tuesday to “protect renaissance values", here is all you need to know about it: WHAT IS IT? Around thirty lakh women (the ruling party says 55 lakh) are expected to form a human chain across the National Highway from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram, around 620-kilometre long, extending their support to the state government’s resolve to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict allowing women of all ages access to Sabarimala and to protect the secular and progressive values of Kerala. Organised by the government and supported by various social organisations having links with the renaissance movement, the Women's Wall is an attempt by the LDF government to defend the state from communal forces following ongoing protests by Hindu conservatives led by the BJP and Congress post the Sabarimala verdict. [SEE PHOTOS OF THE WOMEN'S WALL HERE] CM Pinarayi Vijayan appealed to people from all walks of life to join the fight to prevent Kerala from 'becoming a mental asylum' again, referring to Swami Vivekananda's observation about the caste-based discrimination practised in the state. 'Vanitha Mathil' (Photo | By Special Arrangement) CM Vijayan announced the initiative on 1 December after a meeting with various Hindu and socio-cultural organisations. To all the critics he said, "Those who try to malign the image of the party do not have much knowledge of history, as our renaissance leaders and social reformers - Sree Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swamikal, V T Bhattathiripad, Mannathu Padmanabhan - had actively supported the upliftment of women in history. Similarly, the contribution of Muslim renaissance leaders like Makati Thangal, Vakkom Moulavi and Haleema Beevi cannot be forgotten. So also with Akkamma Cherian who was at the forefront of the people’s struggle in Travancore in the pre-independence era." Great Wall of Kerala, to prevent the state from sliding back into medieval madness , going to be raised by a million women from one end of Kerala to other on New Year Day.That is around 600 km in length. Come, join the Resistance. It will be very very happy new year. — Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) December 2, 2018 He also said that the Communists believe women’s liberation is part of social equality, and social inequalities are seen as part of the class struggle. WATCH OUR WOMAN'S WALL VIDEO HERE | MEN'S WALL: There will also be a Men’s Wall on the other side of the national highway when the Women’s Wall will be organised. WHEN IS IT? On January 1, 2019, the participants will gather at designated centres at 3 pm. Then a rehearsal will happen at 3.30 pm. The Women’s Wall event will take place between 4 and 4.15 pm with the participants taking a pledge. The pledge reads, “We are taking the pledge that we will uphold renaissance values, we will stand for equality for women, we resist the attempts to make Kerala a lunatic asylum, and we will fight for secularism.” Young women line up ahead of the Women's Wall campaign in Kerala on January 1, 2019. (Photo | Women's Wall/ Facebook) WHO ARE TAKING PART? The event is organised by the ruling CPI(M), with support from as many as 174 outfits, including social, political, religious, NGOs and women’s organisations. As part of the campaign, 25,000 squads formed to mobilise participants for the event visited 70 lakh houses. As many as 7,000 women’s campaign marches, two-wheeler marches, meetings, renaissance discourses, and other programmes were organised across the state. Over 200 prominent personalities like writer Dr M Leelavathy, actor KPAC Lalitha, poet Vijayalakshmi, actor Rima Kallingal, Olympian athlete Mercykuttan, boxer KV Lekha, writers Thanooja Bhattathiri and Musemary are expected to be part of the campaign. Other actors taking part include the Women in Cinema Collective members Parvathy Thiruvoth, Remya Nambeesan, Bina Paul and Geethu Mohandas. Ministers will participate from their respective districts as well. ALSO READ | Treat Women’s Wall as a celebration: Swami Agnivesh Women paint walls saying 'Vanitha Mathil' ahead of the Women's Wall campaign in Kerala on January 1, 2019. (Photo | Women's Wall/ Facebook) CONTROVERSIES: Exits Actress Manju Warrier withdrew from the event citing its political nature. Writer Sara Joseph backed out of the event saying she would not be part of it till sexual harassment-accused CPI(M) MLA PK Sasi was removed from the party. Dalit activist Sunny M Kapikkad also withdrew his support, criticising the state government for its delay in implementing the top court’s verdict on Sabarimala. Funding The collection of funds, allegedly even from poor social security pensioners, for the Women’s Wall has cast a shadow on the initiative, putting the organisers, especially the CPM, on the defensive. Many critics have also claimed that the state government is diverting funds meant for flood relief to the Women’s Wall. Initially, it was announced that an amount of Rs 50 crore, earmarked for various women's welfare schemes, would be used for the wall. Vijayan later clarified that not a single penny from the state treasury would be used for the campaign. The expense for holding the Women’s Wall has to be borne by the organisations taking the lead to hold the event, he said. The government has also been forced to clarify that no government employee will be forced to participate in the event, following reports that Kudumbashree workers were being coerced to take part. Opposition The wall and the CPI-M have been severely criticised by many leaders with Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala calling it a 'communal wall', claiming that only 'progressive Hindu organisations' were invited to take part, and minority organisations were excluded. The People’s Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA), affiliated to the CPI (Maoist), said the CPM is opportunistic and that the party is also lending support to Hindutva politics just like the BJP and Congress. Ayyappa Jyothi counter: On 26th November, to counter the LDF's women's wall, tens of thousands of devotees lined up from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram seeking the protection of traditional customs at Sabarimala.<doc-sep>
A human chain, composed entirely of women, from Kasaragod district in northern Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south is expected to take shape on the evening of January 1. A human chain, composed entirely of women, from Kasaragod district in northern Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south is expected to take shape on the evening of January 1. What, really, is the ‘vanitha mathil’ or women’s wall? A human chain, composed entirely of women, from Kasaragod district in northern Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south is expected to take shape on the evening of January 1. The programme, where lakhs of women are likely to stand shoulder-to-shoulder along a 620-km route traversing across Kerala, has been planned by the ruling Left government as a mark of its commitment and allegiance to gender equality and social reforms. So what does exactly does the programme entail? Women from all spheres of society, who have agreed to be a part of the event, will begin assembling by the side of the national highways across all 14 districts by 3 pm on Tuesday afternoon (January 1). At 3:30 pm, there will be a trial. At 4 pm, the programme will begin with the women standing beside each other, holding hands, resembling a brick wall. The participants would then take a pledge to uphold the renaissance values that marked the state’s reform movement. The wall is likely to stand for about half an hour before dispersing. Who all are participating? Who are the notable absentees? Women leaders and workers of all LDF constituents, notably the CPI(M) and the CPI, will take part in the event. Their families have been encouraged to participate too. Female leaders of CPM-allies like NCP, LJD, INL, JD(S) are also likely to take part in the event. Members of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, an organisation representing the numerically-strong Ezhava community, will take part. The Jacobite Syrian Church has said it will send it’s community members to be a part of the event. The Kerala Pulaya Maha Sabha (KPMS), that represents the Pulaya community, has also supported the event. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will take part in the event in Thiruvananthapuram. (File) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will take part in the event in Thiruvananthapuram. (File) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac will take part in the event in Thiruvananthapuram. Health Minister KK Shylaja will be the starting point of the women’s wall in Kasaragod while Politburo member Brinda Karat will be the concluding point in Thiruvananthapuram. All ministers in the government will take part across different districts. However, the Nair Service Society (NSS) that represents the upper-caste Nair community, has slammed the event and will give it a miss. Both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP-led NDA have opposed the women’s wall, terming it ‘communal.’ Are there political undertones to the event? If so, is there a catalyst? Yes, there are strong political undercurrents behind the programme. The women’s wall is an idea that took shape in the backdrop of the row around women’s entry at the Sabarimala shrine in central Kerala. A September 28 Supreme Court ruling, that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple, has produced a sharp rift between the state’s chief political parties. While the CPM took a stand favouring the court verdict and entry of women of all ages, the Congress and the BJP have vehemently opposed that proposition. Both parties argue that temple traditions, that previously barred women of menstruating age, must be respected and followed. Till date, no woman of menstruating age has been successful in entering the temple despite the court orders as they repeatedly clashed against pilgrims and protesters, largely organised by the RSS and the BJP. In that context, the women’s wall has been planned by the Left parties as a counter to the RSS’ campaign on Sabarimala. The RSS/BJP believes that a stand supporting the sentiments of the majority Hindu community will fetch them rich dividends in the upcoming parliamentary elections. On the other hand, the Left parties, by organising the women’s wall, are aiming to send a message that they stand on the right side of gender equality and justice. By supporting the women’s right to pray at all religious places, the Left parties in Kerala are hoping to be seen as progressive and liberal.