Mysuru: Marking ‘Women Sarvodaya Day,’ the Mysuru wing of All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), commemorating its 90th anniversary, had organised a function at Cauvery auditorium in Muktagangothri here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Sugar and Small Scale Industries Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad opined that gender equality was needed in political sector. She felt that women deserve 50% as against 33% reservation in all sectors as women have achieved great heights in almost every field, making special reference to Nirmala Seetharam, Union Defence Minister.

Commending the services rendered by Various Women and Child Welfare organisations Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad regretted that female foeticide cases were still prevalent in tribal community and hence sought more awareness programmes in that context.

Inaugurating the programme, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar opined that women empowerment can be achieved by women themselves and not by external co-operation. She stressed the need of education for all women which alone can bring in confidence and determination.

AIWC National President Rakesh Dhawan presided. Secretary General Kalyani Raj, Vice-President Usha Nair, District unit President Jayalakshmi Marichavaiah, leaders Dr. Vijayalakshmi, Ashita, Shanta Das, Padmini Nayar, Jayalakshmi, Hemalatha and others were present on the occasion.