Mysuru/Mysore: “Violence against women is lot more rampant in educated and rich families than poor households,” opined Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Project Director K. Sushila.

She was speaking after inaugurating a programme along with senior staff Lalithamma, organised by Akkamahadevi Chair of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) at Cauvery Auditorium in city as part of Women’s Day.

“When I was working as a Secretary in Women’s Commission, I have seen hundreds of such cases. What I have observed is that well educated and affluent men, after committing such a heinous crimes, usually blame their wives for everything. Our society is witnessing positive trends in other fields, but the disheartening fact is that well educated people, especially in cities are still committing domestic violence against women,” she said.

“Even in America which is a developed nation, women working in garment industries had to fight for equal wages. In India, women have voting rights. When compared to other countries where women still find it difficult to vote, women in our country have their right to vote and have to thank the architect of India’s Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,” she added.

Sushila also remembered Social reformer Savitribai Phule who pioneered education among weaker sections of society. 

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof S. Vidyashankar presided over the programme. 

‘Vachana-Nirvachana,’ a collection of commentaries on Vachanas written by KSOU Registrar (Evaluation) Dr. Kavitha Rai was released by Litterateur Prof. Morabada Mallikarjuna on the occasion. KSOU Registrar Prof. Lingaraja Gandhi, Dean Dr. Tejaswi Naviluru,  Akkamahadevi Chair Convenor Dr. H. Rajeshwari and others were present.