All India Democratic Women's Association, West Bengal

Against the backdrop of the second world war, Bangiya Pradeshik Mohila Atmaraksha Samiti was formed with women workers from different political parties and social organisations and individuals. They all were united against fascism and imperialism and were motivated to participate in freedom movement. The first conference of the samiti was held on 7th and 8th May 1943 in Kolkata. Indira Debi Choudhurani was elected as the chairperson and Ela Reed (Mitra) was elected as the secretary from the conference. The Communist Party of India also took initiative to organise women in the other states, like Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Asam, Tripura etc. in the form of Mahila Samiti. As the country was under the British rule till that time, it was not possible to form an all India based women’s organisation. Unlike other women’s organisation in Bengal and in other states of India, the main focus of Bangiya Mohila Atmaraksha Samiti was to organise women from poor and middle income group and bring forward them to participate in different mass movements including movements focusing on social reforms and independence of India.