CHENNAI: Though many initiatives for equal opportunities to women in government organisations are being taken, the women’s representation in Lok Sabha is 11.3 per cent compared to the global average of 22.8 per cent, said President Pranab Mukherjee, throwing light on the continuing discrimination against women at all levels.
Speaking at the centenary celebration of Women’s India Association on Friday, the President said, “The gross domestic product is calculated taking various factors, but contribution of womenfolk is not considered. This is discrimination against women.” He stated that though the Constitution guaranteed equal rights to women, it was not implemented in reality.
“In our society, women are worshipped as an embodiment of motherhood and our civilisation tells us to respect every woman. But day-in and day-out, women face abuse and violence. If so, then can we call ours a civilised society?” Mukherjee said. He stressed the key objective of the Constitution was to respect women.
Governor (in-charge) Ch Vidyasagar Rao mentioned that he had noticed that a majority of university toppers in all major streams were women. He honoured Dr V Shanta, chairperson, Adyar Cancer Institute, and Krishnammal Jagannathan, a social activist, with the Women Achiever’s award.