New Delhi: Despite age-old mechanisms of discrimination against women being gradually dismantled and widespread acceptance of equality in principle, full equality still seems to be a far cry, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said today on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
“Let us on this day rededicate ourselves collectively to work steadfastly towards achieving an equal and human environment for women,” she said.
Ms Kumar said systemic oppression of women is a tragic fact of history.
Restricted to a narrow sphere of activity in society, denied educational opportunities and basic human rights, subjected to violence and frequently treated as less than human, women have been prevented for centuries from realising their true potential, she added.
Echoing the sentiment, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj said, “We unite today to address women issues, but forget it thereafter.”
She added that the bitter truth is that “We meet 364 days and greet one day on this occasion, but if we are really concerned for the women’s plight we must observe this year as the year of women safety and discuss women issues on daily basis in the House to pave the way for egalitarian society in an actual sense.”
Referring to Delhi Gangrape and violence being reported thereafter from different parts of the country against women, she said that a lot needs to be done for the social, political and economic empowerment of women and for their safety and security.
Ms Swaraj said only making laws for women was not sufficient for their emancipation as effective implementation of the legislations was necessary.
Expressing concern on increasing crimes against women, senior Congress leader Girija Vyas said there was a need to create an environment where womenfolk feel safe and secure.
Hailing Finance Minister P Chidambaram for announcing an exclusive women bank and “Nirbhaya” scheme for women, she said, some more sincere efforts need to be done (Thoda hai thode ki zaroorat hai.)
She also voiced concern against the indecent representation of women in the media like endorsements, and sought changes in NRI Act as NRIs come here, marry Indian girls and leave them abandoned and rehabilitation of abandoned women.
She also demanded declaration of 2013 as year of Women safety by the Government of India.
Asserting that women must not be treated as a matter of subject but an object, she urged all parties to unite for women cause irrespective of differences.
Sushila Saroj (SP) said there is fear in the mind of the womenfolk as and when they step out from their home.
“Everything has changed from our villages to cities, if there was no change, it is the apathy of women,” she said.
Harsimran Kaur (SAD) stressed on the need to change mindset towards women. In agreement with Ms Vyas and Ms Swaraj, Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said International Women’s Day is a day to honour the untiring commitment and persistent efforts of women to achieve equality, justice and development.
Voicing concern against indecent representation of women in the media, he added that it is the time for action to end all sort of violence against women.
Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of the Trinamool Congress and Dr Baliram of the BSP called for stern steps to check female foeticide.
Dr Dastidar said it was a great irony that women who made most sacrifices for the family and the society were harassed and tortured the most.
The society could make progress only if it stood by women like Nirbhaya, the Delhi gangarape victim, she said.
Susmita Bauri of the CPI(M) expressed concern over the declining sex ratio which had come down to 927 females to 1000 males , and called for addressing problems like malnutrition, illiteracy and maternal and infant mortality. She also demanded passing of the women quota bill. (UNI)