YFLO EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN THE 21st Century New Delhi – July 20th, 2009

We started the year with an invigorating discussion with prominent women in politics. Honoble Minister for Rural Development, Ms. Agatha Sangma, Dr. Prabha Thakur Rajya Sabha MP and AIMC president, BJP Youth wing president Ms. Vani Tripathi and moderating the whole session was Ms. Sonia Singh of NDTV.

Ms. Sangma, charmed the audience with her wit and intelligence. She mentioned that she hails from a matrilineal society and in her own personal empowerment she didn’t face many struggles as her high educational qualifications won her respect and acceptance in her people.

Vani Tripathi, BJP Youth Wing President felt that the root cause of women lagging behind is socio economic deprivation rather than political representation. Various other aspects that made the session interactive were hard facts surrounding female foeticide, domestic atrocities and dowry deaths. Dr. Prabha Thakur reflected, “Against general beliefs it is seen that the notion that a girl-child is a burden is more common among the urban educated people” She mentioned that she is pushing for a property law, which declares the wife an equal partner in husband’s earned or parental property.

They all agreed that the women reservation bill should be passed and that primary education till the age of eighteen must be ensured for women to enable true empowerment.

For their meaningful contribution to India we were filled with gratitude and came out with a sense of admiration for these women who are the proud face of our nation!