THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As celebrations and gatherings erupted across the state on Women's Day, ASHAs who stood in front of the secretariat for their rights had to be content with drinking porridge from the protest tent.

At the women's meeting held yesterday, women from social and cultural sectors and the general public expressed solidarity. Filmmaker and writer Paromita Vora inaugurated the Mahasangamam. Writers J. Devika, Rosemary, economist Dr. Mary George, Pembilai Orumai leader Gomathi, K.P.C.C. Disciplinary Committee member Dr. Arifa Zainuddin, Latin Catholic Women's Association representative Jane Ancil Francis, All India Mahila Cultural Organization Tamil Nadu state leader Hilda Mary, AIMSS state president Soubhagyakumari, P.E. Usha, Maglin Peter, Scheme Workers Federation of India leader T.C. Rama, M. Sulphath, United Nurses Association state treasurer Divya, Kerala Mahila Federation district president Chandravalli, Fr. Tony, Fr. Tom, RLJP State General Secretary Reeja Vinod, Anita Ramesh, Dr. Sonia Malhar, Kala Rashmi, Shiv Sena leader Aswathi, Anna DHRM Party State Secretary Reshma and others participated.

White Rose, a cultural group of students, presented a dance performance based on the life of the ASHAs. The protest demonstration, which was held with the announcement that the strike would continue strongly, was led by KAHWA State President VK Sadanandan, Vice President S. Mini, District President KP Rosamma, and others.

Directors Jeo Baby, Kanikusruthi, Divya Prabha, Rima Kallingal, and others announced their solidarity with the ASHAs through social media. Today, the strike is entering its 28th day.