Men need to practice new masculinity: Rahul Bose

Gender equality comes when men cede control of power and allow women to do what they want to do, take their own decisions and exercise power, Bollywood actor and activist Rahul Bose said tonight.

"I believe it's not enough for men to engage, men have to engage in the right way to achieve gender equality," Bose said here at the inaugural event of MenEngage global symposium 2014.

The actor, who is a prominent face in advocating gender equality and who has in the past been vocal about rejecting the notions of power and patriarchy is one of the ambassadors of the global event that is sponsored by the United Nations.

"Gender equality is not about men protecting women. It is not about allowing women that they want to do. It's not about taking decisions that are sensitive.

"It about understanding that women will take their own decisions, will exercise either own power and would do as they wish. For that men have to do something which is right now not in their DNA which is to cede control, just let it go," Bose said.

Inaugurating the symposium UN Women Executive Director Phumsile Maimbo Ngcuka said, "it is important to engage men and boys to advance women's rights and equality."

"It is a battle that must define what we must fight, how we must fight it and who we must fight with together and not separately.. So who better to hold such an important event than in India."

Academics and practitioners are set to discuss how to engage men and boys for healthier, safer women.

The event also saw participants talking about the 'HeforShe' campaign, a global campaign which was officially launched on the September 20 at the UN General Assembly.