Details Published on Thursday 19 January 2012 01:39 Written by Radical Socialist
PRESS RELEASE
Eminent writer, feminist activist, and art, drama and music critic, Maitreyi Chatterjee passed away peacefully on 17 January, 2012.
She was the Founder Member and Convenor of Nari Nirjantan Pratirodh Mancha (Forum against the Oppression of Women), one of the first rights-based women’s groups in Kolkata in 1983, that continues to play a significant role in the women’s rights movement in West Bengal. A room in her flat continues to be the meeting place for the group.
She was active in advocating for the release of non criminal women prisoners in 1985. She also deposed before the Bantala Commission after conducting an independent enquiry in the case, and campaigned tirelessly for justice for Archana Guha and for the punishment for Runu Guhu Neogi.
She wrote extensively in the newspapers and magazines including Desh, Sabala, Pratikhan, Kalantar, Chalar Pathey, Protibidhan, Manabi, Anik, Joutha Mahila Udyog, Shethu etc. on women’s issues with a feminist perspective. Her books dealing with women’s rights, communalism, healthcare, education, literature and a variety of other issues are widely acclaimed. She co-edited a book on the attack of women in Gujarat and her work also includes a book on women artists and creators and a special Puja literary issue dedicated to women.
Her passing leaves a void in the women’s movement and her voice against State Oppression will be sorely missed.
On behalf of Nari Nirjatan Pratirodh Mancha
Mira Roy – 98301 93003
Saswati Ghosh – 98302 46265
Address: 29/1A , Old Ballygunj 2nd Lane, Kolkata 700019
Contact Numbers: Mira Roy – 98301 93003 , Saswati Ghosh – 98302 46265