Bilkis Bano Speaks on Hardships at Kochi Women's Conference

UPDATE - follow-up to 'My entire life has been a struggle,' says Bilkis Bano at GIO conference in Kochi: Gujarat riots survivor Bilkis Bano stated that her entire life has been a struggle while inaugurating the International Conference on Women in Kochi on November 15. The event was organised by the State committee of the Girls Islamic Organisation.

Remarks and Husband's Comments

Ms. Bano noted that her life story is already known and requires no further telling, following her gang-rape and the loss of seven family members, including her three-year-old daughter, during the 2002 riots. Her husband, Patel Yakub Rasool, attended the conference and recalled the long struggle for justice, noting that the family had to relocate multiple times, face denied rights, and repeatedly bring injustices to those in power.

Attendees and Context

The conference was presided over by GIO State president K. Shifana, with Jamia Millia Islamia student leader Nousheen Farooq serving as the chief guest. Other speakers included Coventry University professor Saria Cheruvallil, Cambridge researcher Dalia Saleh, Palestinian writer and journalist Reem Mahmoud Al Haddad, Jamaat-e-Islami national secretary A. Rahmathunnisa, and Jamaat-e-Islami Keralam ameer P. Mujeeb Rahman.

Context

Public appearances and speeches by survivors of major communal violence often serve to highlight ongoing struggles for legal accountability and women's rights in India. Conferences hosted by student and community organisations frequently provide a platform for such figures to share their experiences with wider audiences.