Women should develop identity of their own: Bedi

Students should learn about laws, enabling them to fight for justice and gender equality in society, said Dr Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer, while addressing students on ‘women empowerment’ at Jain University CMS Business School.

Encouraging students to develop an independent identity, Bedi said women should take up active roles in various facades of life to develop an identity of their own in society.

Talking about the personal and professional issues women have to undergo at various stages of their life, Bedi urged them to have a clear vision of their future. She called for a compelling need to create awareness among people and asked students to take a stand and fight for their rights.

“Empowerment begins with clarity, which is then followed by personal management plan and one’s sense of security. Keeping oneself updated with the latest in business and general issues helps in intellectual stimulation which will lead to both professional and personal growth,” she said.

‘There is a Tejpal in every office’

"In every office, there would be people like Tarun Tejpal. What kind of fight will you launch against such people," asked Bedi, a social activist, during her visit to the City on Friday.

“For sexual harassment, one can face imprisonment up to 10 years without bail. People like Tejpal, before sexually assaulting a woman, would have thought 10 times before committing such crime. These kinds of mistakes happen by those who do not fear the law,” said Bedi on the sidelines of the event. “Women should not become weak when sexual assaults happen. They should form a network cell so that they get moral support during difficult times. Only then, they can deal with such a situation properly,” she said. “I fully support Goa Police in their pursuit.”