Celebrating Solidarity and Strength

The First State Annual Convention of Single Women’s Action Network (SWAN) was held on 8 March 2023 in Chennai, organised by of Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation (HRF). It was the first step in consolidating initiatives of single women at the state level in Tamil Nadu, with 414 participants (358 women, 56 men) of which Single Women – 289, NGOs – 125 participants (69 women, 56 men) from 32 districts and one union territory attended. The event served as a platform for many single women to not only share their experiences, but to also put forth their requests and demands. The event was also streamed live, with many watching it online. The convention followed a year long series of district level consultations and a state level consultation in November 2022. This intensive consultative process resulted in a Tamil Nadu Single Women’s Manifesto and a charter of demands which was released on the occasion.

The chief guest was Ms. Geetha, Advisor, Unorganised Workers Federation and guests of honor were Advocate Selvi and Sis. Valarmathi, Advisor, National Domestic Worker’s Forum. The programme was inaugurated by Ms. Halcyon Fernandes, Ms. Chitra, Advocate Tharani, Pushba, Santhakumari and Karpagavalli by lighting the ritual lamp.