‘Atrocities on women tarnishing India’s image’

Vice-President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said the country, despite a rich tradition of accomplished women, has been witnessing gender discrimination. This, he said, has led to low literacy, education and poor representation in politics and workforce.

Mr. Naidu was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Mahila Dakshata Samithi, an NGO working to address women issues.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Mr. Naidu said by calling women the ‘weaker sex’, men have marginalised them over the last century. “Gandhiji’s strong condemnation of this attitude comes to mind as we reflect upon this injustice,” Mr. Naidu said.

He said that the gender gap has widened on account of unequal access to education, employment and growth opportunities. “Atrocities on women and domestic abuse are unfortunately tarnishing our image as a nation,” he said and urged an active collaboration between government and civil society.

Commenting on how the Indian economy could grow by being more inclusive of women, Mr. Naidu said, “IMF chief Christine Lagarde was recently quoted as saying that India’s economy could grow by 27% by increasing women’s participation in the workforce to the level of men.”

He urged that measures should be taken to reverse the trend of the representation of women in the workforce. While pro-women measures have been initiated, Mr. Naidu said that more is required, especially in the private sector.

“A study by McKinsey Global Institute said India could increase its GDP by up to 60% or $2.9 trillion by 2025 if women participated in the economy at par with men,” he said.

Mr. Naidu expressed concern over students committing suicide due to pressure of studies. He urged Mahila Dakshata Samithi to take up special counselling for girl students in this regard.