All India Women's Conference facts for kids

The All India Women's Conference (AIWC) is a group based in Delhi, India. It's a non-governmental organization, meaning it's not run by the government. It was started in 1927 by Margaret Cousins. The main goal was to improve education for women and children. Over time, it also began working on many other important issues for women's rights. The AIWC is one of the oldest women's groups in India. It has many branches all over the country.

History

The All India Women's Conference (AIWC) began in 1927 in Pune, India. Its first goals were to help women and children get an education. It also wanted to improve their social well-being. Margaret Cousins first suggested creating such a group in 1925. She wrote to other women's groups and friends. She asked them to meet and talk about education for women.

The first meeting in Pune had about 2,000 people. They met at Fergusson College Hall. Most people were there to watch and listen. But some women, brought together by Cousins, helped create the AIWC. Amrit Kaur was one of these founding members. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was one of the first secretaries of the AIWC.

Starting in 1928, the AIWC began raising money. They wanted to open the Lady Irwin College of Domestic Science. Also in 1928, the AIWC realized something important. They saw that women's education couldn't get better without fixing "harmful social customs." So, AIWC women formed a committee. This group watched the progress of the Child Marriage Bill. They also talked to politicians about stopping child marriage. Other issues they worked on included giving women the right to divorce. They also fought for women to be able to inherit property and to vote.

The AIWC officially registered in 1930. It was registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. In 1941, the AIWC started its own journal called Roshni. It was published in both English and Hindi. The group worked hard to convince the Parliament to pass new laws. These laws would protect women in India. They also helped expand voting rights for women.

A main office for the AIWC was set up in 1946. In the same year, a "Skippo Committee" was formed. This committee helped provide medical care to villages. When India was fighting for independence, some members left the AIWC. They wanted to focus more on the independence movement. In 1948, the organization also focused on its main goals. It did not include members associated with certain political groups.

Activities and programmes

One of the first main goals of the AIWC was women's education. This is still a very important goal today. In 1996, the organization started more literacy campaigns. They began special education programs for students who left school early. They also had reading and writing programs for adult women. These programs often included craft training through their local branches.

The AIWC also helps women in rural areas. They have microcredit schemes. This means they give small loans to women to start businesses. They also work on energy development for rural women. For example, the AIWC has taught women how to use solar driers. These driers help store food safely and cleanly. The AIWC also helps women find jobs. They are also involved in many health-related issues.

Past presidents

This is a list of the past presidents of AIWC:

Other members

• Kitty Shiva Rao

See also

In Spanish: Conferencia de Mujeres de Toda la India para niños