Call to end gender discrimination

Eluru: Freedom and equality for women can be achieved once society sheds gender discrimination, said District Collector Praveen Kumar.

He inaugurated International Women’s Day celebrations here on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, he said that fruits of development would be distributed equally only when society overpowers gender discrimination.

He called for coordinated efforts to shoo away gender discrimination. The results would be wonderful. Apart from change in society, innovative plans for women empowerment should be evolved to achieve success in this endeavour, he added.

He said workshops and training sessions organised for women development would be of little use without change in society. Change in society comes from equal treatment of women and men. 

Education would help a lot in bringing change in social behaviour. Many women are showing interest to become literate is a good indication. Media should also contribute for women empowerment and fight against gender discrimination.

He said that the law is also acting tough on people conducting gender identity tests. With efficient monitoring at field-level to implement the law against gender discrimination, positive results can be achieved. 

He made special mention of tribal and remote villages where discrimination is still going on. He said many women work more efficiently than men in various departments. 
  
DMHO Dr Subrahmanyeswari said that 10 per cent of mother deaths were reported because of child marriages which need to be tackled effectively.

Women and Child Welfare project director Vijaya Kumari, MEPMA project director T Praveena and others spoke on the occasion.