Indian ambassador: Role of women in Indian society growing rapidly

Indian women are mastering more and more new professions in the social sphere, as a result of which their role in society is rapidly growing, Indian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sridharan Madhusudhanan said speaking at the international conference on empowerment of women in Baku.

According to him, women in India have achieved significant success in a number of areas, from the film industry to the space industry. As an example, the ambassador noted that India launched a mission to the Moon this year with the participation of women scientists.

"As the world’s largest democracy, India has presented an example before the world through bringing women in the mainstream of political leadership at the grass root level by reserving 33 per cent of the seats at grass roots level institutions (Panchayati Raj Institutions) for women. It is quite praiseworthy to note that many states in India have made provisions of 50% reservation for women in their grass roots level Institutions.

"These elected women representatives are laying the seeds of transforming India into an Equitable, Gender-Sensitive and All-inclusive Nation. This significant participation of women representatives clearly reflects the effective functioning of our democracy.

"I am happy to share with you that recently India’s Parliament has passed a historic legislation to ensure 33 per cent reservation to Women in Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Parliament, and State Legislatures. This legislation will enable greater participation of women as public representative in policy making at State and National Legislatures," he said.