No confrontational approach for gender equality: President

GANGTOK - President Pratiba Patil Friday stressed that gender equality is not a confrontational approach and both sexes must work together for happiness of their families and welfare of society.

Inaugurating a seminar on Gender Justice and Empowerment of Women with special reference to Sikkim - the concluding ceremony of the Sikkim High Court’s golden jubilee year celebrations, Patil said that since independence, there had been a series of legislations for women, giving them a share in property, prohibiting dowry and ensuring equal remuneration for work, among other things.

However, she noted legislation was important but not enough.

“Women have to come forward and seek their rights. Gender equality, however, is not a confrontational approach. It means mutual respect and equal opportunities for all in a non-discriminating manner. I believe that gender equality means both men and women working together for the happiness of their families and for the welfare of society,” she said.

The president said that as the country’s first woman president, a focus on women’s issues was but natural for her.

“The government has a number of programmes and schemes for the welfare of women, but there is certain disconnect in implementation. Many of the benefits do not reach women. I have always strongly advocated the need for a coordinated approach towards implementation and monitoring of women related issues,” she said.

The president, however, expressed her satisfaction that this year, the National Mission for the Empowerment of Women, was launched on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

“It promises coordinated and time-bound delivery of women-centric and women-related programmes. Under the chairmanship of the prime minister, I am confident that it will be a success,” she explained.

She also complimented the Sikkim High Court for having a good record of disposal of cases, with the number of cases pending before it being less than 100.

“I understand less than 100 cases are pending. These too should be disposed off soon so that a ‘zero arrear record’ is attained,” she said.