Mysore/Mysuru: Prabhavati M. Hiremath, Principal District and Sessions Court Judge, has given a call to increase the level of awareness among women about voting.

Judge Prabhavati was addressing the gathering after inaugurating an awareness programme on voting and International Women’s Day organised by District-level Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Committee and District Administration at Zilla Panchayat in the city on Thursday.

Judge Prabhavati underlined that “Ours is a democratic country and it is the responsibility of all to exercise their franchise,  which is also a duty enshrined in the Constitution.”

“There is a law to protect girl child in the womb. The male and female are like two faces of the coin in the world, without giving any room for discrimination,”  she added.

The hands that move the cradle will also move the country. Our vote is our right and  every woman should be a part of this festival of elections and fulfil their duties, said Judge Prabhavati.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra said, “Like men, even women can be seen discharging their responsibilities in all the fields in the present days. Now, women are a step ahead of men and those who run the family can also lead the country. Hence every woman should vote without fail, as they possess more energy which should be made use of judiciously. The parents should bring up their children without differentiating on the basis of their gender.”

Women outnumber men in voter roll in the district and women should ensure cent percent voting percentage this year too. Hence they should be aware and take part in voting morally and also inspire those in their surroundings to endorse them, said Dr. Rajendra.

ZP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) K.M. Gayathri said: “Women have been handling their duties without relying on anybody in every field. But they have fallen back in voting, triggering the need to create awareness about the importance of voting.”

Superintendent of Police (SP) Seema Latkar said: “Every woman is possessed with a force who should face the problem without any fear. We ourselves should find solutions to personal issues. We have a chance to elect better candidate and everybody should vote compulsorily.”

Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions like essay writing, quiz, reels and drawing organised by District SVEEP Committee and Akashvani to create awareness on voting.

City Police Commissioner B. Ramesh, Conservator of Forests (CF) Dr. Malathi Priya, Indian Information Service (IIS) Officer Shruthi, Election Ambassador Tanishka Murthy and women officers from various departments were present.