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Feminism is about negotiating for equal privileges, freedom: Shabana Azmi at CII Seminar
Mar 08, 2016

Are women experiencing conflict as they attempt to make meaning of their lives, their goals, and their relationships? Do these conflicts extend to the inside of the households and formal institutions like workplace as well as the spaces in between? These are a few questions attempted at a well-attended seminar – ‘Women in India, The Metamorphosis’ organsied by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2016 at The Lalit, New Delhi.

The CII seminar explored and attempted to resolve some of the conflicts that women face as the power of women grow in society. CII, with its initiative, the Indian Women Network (IWN), strive for and focus on an all-inclusive approach to create gender parity for women in Indian business and society.

Sandeep Kumar, Minister of Social Welfare – Women & Child Development, Government of Delhi, addressing the conference said: “Our aim is to ensure and encourage social security of women in Delhi, increase penetration of healthcare and education facilities in every Delhi assembly constituency. The Delhi government is constantly working towards these goals. Our government was, is and always for the safety of women – an aspect which is our top priority and we are constantly working towards that. We are glad to share that in the next budget we are earmarking the highest sum for more cameras to be deployed in strategic places across the city to ensure overall safety.”

The Minister added, “We want the women of Delhi to come forward and tell the government what they need from us. We are willing to listen to their needs and help in every step.”

Actor and activist Shabana Azmi stated: “The modern society has started recognizing the individual identity of women, her aspiration, abilities and qualities, it is increasingly being accepted that she is a significant unit of the society and is also influencing the course of social as well as economic change in society. Women are negotiating more space for themselves. There has to a constant effort in making her views to be considered and accepted in all sectors.”

Azmi added: “Our development model is very much a work in progress and deep-rooted challenges remain. Socially, it is time to break away from the patriarchal mindset. Feminism should be a byword for equal rights and shared responsibilities. We should break away from the age-old thought process that feminism is about throwing men away from the system. Feminism is about negotiating for equal privileges and freedom. The biggest issue we face is the economic empowerment of women. Across the world, educating and empowering women has proven time and again to be the catalyst for rapid socio-economic growth.”

India has been developing fast, but has it developed equitably or inclusively? “Women’s role in economic development in India is about overcoming the hurdles. The women in our country have been taking giants strides in all spheres of the modern world, yet we see very few women starting their own ventures and sustaining themselves on the road to economic independence. True, women have broken the proverbial glass-ceiling and many of them are heading big global multinational companies, in bureaucracy, in millions of offices – big and small - across the country. But, is there parity as compared to men? It is our society which needs to bend its rules and make regulations women-friendly. It is time we do a reality check,” said Shazia Ilmi, political activist and BJP member.

Stressing on more political participation, Sharmishtha Mukherjee, Spokesperson, Congress pointed out: “While women are coming out of their homes and making their presence felt in multi-disciplinary fields, we need to look at the current constraints on realising the full potential of women in the process of economic development; the priority areas of intervention necessary to unblock these constraints. We need to focus on women and on economic development.”

“Across all strata of Indian society, people still believe that women are capable of performing only certain types of jobs and that marriage must take precedence over career. This mind-set, common to both men and women, must change. We must focus on the girl child and help her escape the traditional stereotypes that stifle her potential,” said Radha Bhatia, Chairwoman, IWN Delhi Chapter & Chairperson, Bird Group.

“Women are undoubtedly the foundation of the basic unit of society – the family. Even in traditional roles they demonstrate great innovation, skill, intelligence, hard work and commitment. If we can harness these attributes effectively, India’s growth can be more inclusive and equitable. Education of women is therefore the key”, said, Manpreet Brar Walia, Vice Chairwoman, IWN – Delhi & Director, The Walsons Group.

8 March 2016
New Delhi

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