Let Us Respect All Opinions (speeches by Teng Ying-chao, Hajrah Begum and Suharti, 1956)

=== [PDF page 1] === Excerpts from Speech of Mme. TENG YING-CHAO China, Executive Commitee Member of the W.LD.F., Vice-President of the All-China Democratic Women’s Federation, Standing Commitee Member of National Peoples’ Congress of Peoples’ Republic of China. ay E HAVE come to realise clearly that in countries under colonial oppression, the most fundamental interest of the entire people lies in national independence and democratic freedom. For without peace, national independence and democratic freedom, it would be futile to talk about women’s rights and children’s wellbeing. And in the struggle in defence of peace and for national independence and democratic freedom, victory can only be won by securing the Participation of women who constitute half of the total population. Women masses are endowed with wisdom, talents and strength. Once these qualities are given full play, they can contribute much and accomplish great things This has been fully Proved in the actual work of us Chinese women. Therefore, in our work, we lay firm confidence in the women masses and rely on them and maintain close ties with them. We should also listen to and respect their opinions, regardless of the source of and the motives be hind these opinions and of whether they are unanimous or varied, and must consider and analyse them with an open mind, and collate these opinions which are useful, on w hose basis to formulate our work programme. When the programme is drawn up, it still has to be implemented and carried through among the masses. In the course of implementation and carrying through, it is essential that we unde ake patient and repeated work of publicity and e planation in relation to the understanding and demands of the women Masses, so as to enlighten them and raise their con- Sclousness step by step, to draw still more women to On the initiative of the All-China Democratic Women's Federation, fifty-three women’s delegatio from thirty-one countries visited China, and delegations of Chin« women paid visits to sevente: countries Thanks to these friendly ex changes,” said Mme. Teng Yir chao, we have been able to ga from the valuable experiences our sisters of other countries ar to increase understanding and mutual trust. We are convincec that this will be of great help the interests of peace,” Join consciously and voluntarily in our commen activities and exercise their intellect and ability. Furthermore, we must constantly accumulate and sum up the good experiences of the masses to improve and enrich the contents of our work, and in the light of the opinions of the masses, supplement and revise our work programme to be again submitted to them for implementation and carrying through. Only thus can our work programme become more realistic, more comformable to the demands of the masses and more capable of drawing forth their enthusiasm and initiative, and hence b« better assured of realisation, It is in this way that we learn to practise the working method of ‘from the masses and back to the masses’, as a means of mobilising them pon ane advancement of our work and bringing it to ruition “Today, when en aged in the task of building socialism, we in China are continuing to strengthen and extend our solidarity: women of all nationalities, inclu ding women workers, peasants, intellectuals and depen dents of factory and office workers are more than ever closely united in taking active part in socialist construction. What is more, thanks to our government's Policy of peaceful transformation of capitalist industry and trade, even women industrialists and businessmen and dependents of industrialists and businessmen are voluntarily and actively accepting socialist transformation, realising that only by taking the road of socialism will they have a bright future They have expressed the desire to keep pace with the people of the whole country in advancing with the motherland. This broad unity of the people and women of all nationalities and social strata is a powerful impetus to the smooth and flourishing development of our socialist use, “In the international arena, we warmly uphold the five principles of peaceful coexistence initiated jointly by China and India as well as the spirit of the Bandung Conference. We strongly Support the peaceful coexistence of nations and the settlement of international disputes through negotiation. We are exerting our efforts to promote friendly co-operation between the peoples of all countries.. » LET US RESPECT! ati OPINIONS... Excerpts from Speech of Mme. HAJRAH BEGUM, Secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women. “IN ASIA today we are witnessing something which is an entirely new phenomenon, and yet one which has roots in the age-old traditions of Asian nations. Asia today has burst asunder the shackles of colonial rule and its peoples, having thrown off the yoke of foreign domination, seek their rightful place in the community of nations. A new Asia is emerging before our eyes. It is necessary for us to understand the hopes and aspirations of this new Asia as well as its problems and needs. t the time of the Asian Solidarity Conference in Delhi, nine children’s organisations came together to greet our guests. Amongst these organisations were some nationalist organisations such as the “Bal Shyog” whose President is Mrs. Indi Gandhi. Later, for June 1st, International Children’s Day, all these organisations combined, so that June Ist last year was celebrated on an unprecedentedly wide scale.. “The small exhibition of paintings sent by Indian children as a gift to this Council meeting is by no means a collection from progressive institutions only, but from such varied centres as the Wardhe Aspram of Mahatma Gandhi, and the Adyer school ‘This is my first visit China and also my first opportunity to attend the W.I.D.F." said Mme. Kulsum Sayami (left) former Excerpts from Speech of Mrs. SUHARTI, Member of Parliament, Council Member of the W.I.D.F., Vice-President of Gerwani, Indonesian Women’s Movement | IJGETHER WITH the development of the democratic movement which becomes broader every day, Gerwani has advanced in the organisational field. Since the last Council meeting of the W.I D.F., the membership of the Gerwani has been increased from 281,000 to 565,147, ‘Throughout all its actions, Gerwani constantly tries to co-operate with other organisations, especially the women’s organisations. At the Congress of the Indonesian Women held in Palembang in March 1955, attended by all women’s organisations from diffe ent groups irrespective of beliefs and opinions, Gerwani Proposed the discussion of the Charter of Women’s Rights and the problem of Peace; these proposals have now been adopted unanimously. “International Women’s Day this year was celebrated in different islands on a much broader scale than ever before and the spirit prevailing was one of love of country and of great desire for peace. These celebrations although initiated by Gerwani, were welcomed by other > Ll meeting the Sire i POMBE E ERLE On ane organisations who participated of the Theosophists, etc... General Secretary and Vice-President of the Natio- in them and resulted in Djanal Federation of Indian Women. “I know full well karta in the setting up of a “This year for our 8th March that the united voice of women of so many coun- welfare service for women celebrations we decided to TOES. CONDO: Oe! sailed popularise the idea of the contribution of mothers to the cause of world peace and international solidarity by honouring the mothers of well-known personalities. Our proposal received a surprising response and our function in Delhi was attended not only by members of other women’s organisations and several members of parliament but by the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Dr. Sushila Nayor. whose mother had been honoured by us that evening. “Thus we find that the unity of all sections of women, in the cause of peace, no matter what their political opinion or religious faith, is no longer a remote possibility but an immediate reality and this unity can be utilised for the extremely rapid advancement of our cause, for the fullest emancipation of women, and the winning of equa] rights. provided we take prompt and adequate steps.” world opinion, particularly the most burning question of the preservation of peace.” must have on effect on workers. Arising from this a delegation consisting of 200 women from different groups approached the President of the Republic of Indonesia with the following resolute demands: (1) for lower prices of daily necessities; (2) against the use of atomic and nuclear weapons; (3) for a democratic marriage law “Prior to the World Congress of Mothers, Gerwani succeeded in setting up a national preparatory committee consisting of several women’s or tions, which was successful in sending a delegation composed of various groups of women to the Congress in Lausanne anisa- ‘In particular, Gerwani appeals to all our Asian and African friends for joint action for national unity and closer friendship to ensure the realisation of the Bandung principles for full national independence. peaceful coexistence and the welfare of our families.’ === [PDF page 2] === Excerpts from Speech of Mme. TENG YING-CHAO China, Executive Commitee Member of the W.LD.F., Vice-President of the All-China Democratic Women’s Federation, Standing Commitee Member of National Peoples’ Congress of Peoples’ Republic of China. ay E HAVE come to realise clearly that in countries under colonial oppression, the most fundamental interest of the entire people lies in national independence and democratic freedom. For without peace, national independence and democratic freedom, it would be futile to talk about women’s rights and children’s wellbeing. And in the struggle in defence of peace and for national independence and democratic freedom, victory can only be won by securing the Participation of women who constitute half of the total population. Women masses are endowed with wisdom, talents and strength. Once these qualities are given full play, they can contribute much and accomplish great things This has been fully Proved in the actual work of us Chinese women. Therefore, in our work, we lay firm confidence in the women masses and rely on them and maintain close ties with them. We should also listen to and respect their opinions, regardless of the source of and the motives be hind these opinions and of whether they are unanimous or varied, and must consider and analyse them with an open mind, and collate these opinions which are useful, on w hose basis to formulate our work programme. When the programme is drawn up, it still has to be implemented and carried through among the masses. In the course of implementation and carrying through, it is essential that we unde ake patient and repeated work of publicity and e planation in relation to the understanding and demands of the women Masses, so as to enlighten them and raise their con- Sclousness step by step, to draw still more women to On the initiative of the All-China Democratic Women's Federation, fifty-three women’s delegatio from thirty-one countries visited China, and delegations of Chin« women paid visits to sevente: countries Thanks to these friendly ex changes,” said Mme. Teng Yir chao, we have been able to ga from the valuable experiences our sisters of other countries ar to increase understanding and mutual trust. We are convincec that this will be of great help the interests of peace,” Join consciously and voluntarily in our commen activities and exercise their intellect and ability. Furthermore, we must constantly accumulate and sum up the good experiences of the masses to improve and enrich the contents of our work, and in the light of the opinions of the masses, supplement and revise our work programme to be again submitted to them for implementation and carrying through. Only thus can our work programme become more realistic, more comformable to the demands of the masses and more capable of drawing forth their enthusiasm and initiative, and hence b« better assured of realisation, It is in this way that we learn to practise the working method of ‘from the masses and back to the masses’, as a means of mobilising them pon ane advancement of our work and bringing it to ruition “Today, when en aged in the task of building socialism, we in China are continuing to strengthen and extend our solidarity: women of all nationalities, inclu ding women workers, peasants, intellectuals and depen dents of factory and office workers are more than ever closely united in taking active part in socialist construction. What is more, thanks to our government's Policy of peaceful transformation of capitalist industry and trade, even women industrialists and businessmen and dependents of industrialists and businessmen are voluntarily and actively accepting socialist transformation, realising that only by taking the road of socialism will they have a bright future They have expressed the desire to keep pace with the people of the whole country in advancing with the motherland. This broad unity of the people and women of all nationalities and social strata is a powerful impetus to the smooth and flourishing development of our socialist use, “In the international arena, we warmly uphold the five principles of peaceful coexistence initiated jointly by China and India as well as the spirit of the Bandung Conference. We strongly Support the peaceful coexistence of nations and the settlement of international disputes through negotiation. We are exerting our efforts to promote friendly co-operation between the peoples of all countries.. » LET US RESPECT! ati OPINIONS... Excerpts from Speech of Mme. HAJRAH BEGUM, Secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women. “IN ASIA today we are witnessing something which is an entirely new phenomenon, and yet one which has roots in the age-old traditions of Asian nations. Asia today has burst asunder the shackles of colonial rule and its peoples, having thrown off the yoke of foreign domination, seek their rightful place in the community of nations. A new Asia is emerging before our eyes. It is necessary for us to understand the hopes and aspirations of this new Asia as well as its problems and needs. t the time of the Asian Solidarity Conference in Delhi, nine children’s organisations came together to greet our guests. Amongst these organisations were some nationalist organisations such as the “Bal Shyog” whose President is Mrs. Indi Gandhi. Later, for June 1st, International Children’s Day, all these organisations combined, so that June Ist last year was celebrated on an unprecedentedly wide scale.. “The small exhibition of paintings sent by Indian children as a gift to this Council meeting is by no means a collection from progressive institutions only, but from such varied centres as the Wardhe Aspram of Mahatma Gandhi, and the Adyer school ‘This is my first visit China and also my first opportunity to attend the W.I.D.F." said Mme. Kulsum Sayami (left) former Excerpts from Speech of Mrs. SUHARTI, Member of Parliament, Council Member of the W.I.D.F., Vice-President of Gerwani, Indonesian Women’s Movement | IJGETHER WITH the development of the democratic movement which becomes broader every day, Gerwani has advanced in the organisational field. Since the last Council meeting of the W.I D.F., the membership of the Gerwani has been increased from 281,000 to 565,147, ‘Throughout all its actions, Gerwani constantly tries to co-operate with other organisations, especially the women’s organisations. At the Congress of the Indonesian Women held in Palembang in March 1955, attended by all women’s organisations from diffe ent groups irrespective of beliefs and opinions, Gerwani Proposed the discussion of the Charter of Women’s Rights and the problem of Peace; these proposals have now been adopted unanimously. “International Women’s Day this year was celebrated in different islands on a much broader scale than ever before and the spirit prevailing was one of love of country and of great desire for peace. These celebrations although initiated by Gerwani, were welcomed by other > Ll meeting the Sire i POMBE E ERLE On ane organisations who participated of the Theosophists, etc... General Secretary and Vice-President of the Natio- in them and resulted in Djanal Federation of Indian Women. “I know full well karta in the setting up of a “This year for our 8th March that the united voice of women of so many coun- welfare service for women celebrations we decided to TOES. CONDO: Oe! sailed popularise the idea of the contribution of mothers to the cause of world peace and international solidarity by honouring the mothers of well-known personalities. Our proposal received a surprising response and our function in Delhi was attended not only by members of other women’s organisations and several members of parliament but by the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Dr. Sushila Nayor. whose mother had been honoured by us that evening. “Thus we find that the unity of all sections of women, in the cause of peace, no matter what their political opinion or religious faith, is no longer a remote possibility but an immediate reality and this unity can be utilised for the extremely rapid advancement of our cause, for the fullest emancipation of women, and the winning of equa] rights. provided we take prompt and adequate steps.” world opinion, particularly the most burning question of the preservation of peace.” must have on effect on workers. Arising from this a delegation consisting of 200 women from different groups approached the President of the Republic of Indonesia with the following resolute demands: (1) for lower prices of daily necessities; (2) against the use of atomic and nuclear weapons; (3) for a democratic marriage law “Prior to the World Congress of Mothers, Gerwani succeeded in setting up a national preparatory committee consisting of several women’s or tions, which was successful in sending a delegation composed of various groups of women to the Congress in Lausanne anisa- ‘In particular, Gerwani appeals to all our Asian and African friends for joint action for national unity and closer friendship to ensure the realisation of the Bandung principles for full national independence. peaceful coexistence and the welfare of our families.’