By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Mar 9:
In the last few years, significant progress has been made in passing legislations to prevent atrocities against women and promote women’s empowerment, but real empowerment will happen only when the men change their mindset towards women”, Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police ( Law and Order) Vishwas Nangre Patil, while addressing International Women’s day (IWD) function.
In a function organised by the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) to felicitate brave and committed lady police officers, on Monday, Patil said that “I am very happy and feel grateful to AIAI, for felicitating our police personnel on this International Women’s Day. I am confident that this gesture will boost their morale and will also inspire other women officers as well. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Beijing Declaration on Gender Equality. However, men should change their mindset towards women, to ensure real empowerment of women”.
The Government of Maharashtra has taken various measures to protect women against violence and discriminatory practices. Specifically, the police department of the state has formed Counselling Centres for women and Mahila Suraksha Samiti at every police station to expedite pending cases on offenses related to women, Patil said.
Patil also emphasized the need for effective implementation of laws for preventing gender selection at birth, sexual harassment at workplace, child trafficking, molestation, rape, domestic violence and dowry deaths.
Mumbai Port Trust(MbPT) Chairman Rajiv Jalota, in his speech said “Women have excelled in almost all fields of society and have proved biologically and physiologically stronger than men. Women are the CEOs in at least 45 Fortune 500 companies in the world. We have also seen how women in the police force played a role in enforcing COVID 19 guidelines at the ground level and brought the pandemic under control. These women have demonstrated their commitment to duty even at the cost of family responsibility and by risking their life. A few days ago, the Shipping Corporation of India made history by flagging off an oil tanker vessel, with all its 14 crew members women. These women have challenged gender stereotype and they serve as role model for other women in the society.”
Jalota emphasized on the need to attain gender equality even in rural areas, where women continue to face challenges in the form of child marriage, malnutrition and lack of access to education.
Earlier in his welcome address, AIAI President Vijay Kalantri, said, “Women account for almost half of our population and hence their role in overall development is paramount. India needs to have greater participation of women in labour force, entrepreneurship and public administration to accelerate economic growth and development. However, reservation is not the only solution to empower women”.
“AIAI and World Trade Centre, Mumbai have demonstrated women’s empowerment by having women in the leadership role. Other organizations should also provide equal opportunities for women in management, board room and at the factory floor. We need to ensure gender equality in business, academic, sports, entertainment, public administration and other fields”, Kalantri added.
During the event, AIAI felicitated six lady police officers for their valuable contribution in controlling the spread of the pandemic in Maharashtra and also for their role in protecting law & order. The felicitated police officers were: Kalyani Deepak Kasode, Varsha Prabhakarrao Dhale, Shamal Arun Amle, Suvidha Suresh Pawar, Shubhangi Rajendra Kamble and Varsha Prakash Kakde.
AIAI Senior Director Sangeeta Jain, proposed a vote of thanks for the event. The event was attended by senior officials from various departments of the state government, women entrepreneurs and academicians.
