ASHA workers in Kerala, who have been protesting in front of the Secretariat for 26 days, are set to escalate their agitation on International Women’s Day with the slogan ‘Stand with ASHA Workers.’ Women from various fields, including social, cultural, and political spheres, are expected to join the protest to show solidarity with the health workers.
The Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association is working to draw global attention to their cause. Prominent figures like writer Arundhati Roy and social activist Medha Patkar have sent messages of support, while poet K Satchidanandan, actor Kani Kusruti, and Pombilai Orumai leader G Gomathi have also extended their backing through video messages. Student-led demonstrations and social media campaigns have further amplified the movement.
The protesters reiterated their resolve to continue until the government addresses their demands, stating they were unaware of Kerala’s representative in Delhi, KV Thomas, discussing their issues with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan urged the Kerala government to prioritize resolving the ASHA workers’ protest as a meaningful way to observe Women’s Day. He criticized the government’s approach, calling for the Chief Minister to personally engage with the protesters. Satheesan emphasized that the workers’ demands are reasonable and highlighted the declining representation of women in employment sectors, urging urgent action from society and political parties.
As the protest gains momentum, it has become a symbol of the broader struggle for workers’ rights and gender equality in Kerala.
