`Recognise your own worth and act to change the world into a better place for yourselves.’ This was the call from women leaders from across the globe to womenfolk everywhere, made on Saturday, the second day of the International Women’s Conference at the Art of Living International Centre here.
Women achievers representing different cultures and countries send out the loud and clear message that “We should make a united effort to assert our rights”. They introduced some of the women from their countries “who had made a difference to humanity and brought about a positive change in society by their unique actions”.
`Kriya Shakti’ -- strength in action -- was the theme for the day, the first session of which discussed `Actions for Empowering Women.’
“More than seeking recognition of our abilities by others, we have to develop a sense of validation in ourselves,’’ said Femina Editor-in-Chief Amy Fernandes, according to whom the major problem with women is lack of self-belief. “Each woman has a spark inside, it is but essential to become conscious of that energy and progress,” she added.
Zata Tashtamirova, head of Russian Federation Parliament Committee for Women, Family & Youth Affairs, said society should value families and respect motherhood.
According to Ligio Brown Lasso, head of the Equal Opportunities Office, Republic of Panama, “Spirituality is essential for self-realisation and a peaceful society. The people of Panama are grateful to Sri Ravishankar Guruji for his spiritual guidance”.

‘End self-loathing’
Film actress and social activist Nandita Das regretted that many women underestimated their self-worth and pointed out how some “home-maker women” thought they did nothing. “Many women work outside and yet manage their home, but they bother themselves with guilt for minor shortcomings at home.
They should learn to shrug off that feeling of inadequacy,” she said.
 “Exploited women are bringing a change all by themselves and privileged women need to lend their support to their voiceless sisters to hasten the change,” she added.
Cookie Edwards, Director of KwaZulu Natal Network on Violence Against Women, who herself was a victim of domestic violence by her father and husband, said domestic violence was the “most cruel” problem women faced around the globe.
“We need to speak out for the voiceless women by uniting them and helping them fight.  
Take a stand against social evils and quit pulling down each other,’’ she said to lusty applause. She also administered an oath to the gathering, that read: “We are women of substance and we are going to take action.’’  Dr T Mutinhiri, Deputy Minister of State for Indigenisation and Empowerment, Zimbabwe, Margeretha Guidone, Socialist Party leader of Belgium, and Vida Manija Cigriejiene from Lithuania also spoke.
The day also witnessed sessions on “Actions for Environment Sustainability and Economic & Social Development,” and “Campaigning against Female Foeticide & HIV-AIDS”. About 1,000 women from 50 countries are participating in the three-day conference that concludes on Sunday.