'Equal opportunities for women will empower them'

Their participation, representation in every field is very less: Ayya

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) Director K V Ayya opined that sustainable society was possible only when women got equal status with men.

After inaugurating a two-day workshop on gender sensitisation, organised for Yemen youths by the Organisation for the Development of People (ODP), at ODP in Bannimantap, in the city on Monday, Ayya said, even though the population of women was almost
equal to men, women were not getting enough opportunities to showcase their ability.

“Women’s participation and representation in each field, including politics, is very less. Even in the 21st century, 50 per cent reservation has not been given for women. Compared to yesteryears, women have more opportunities in the present society. Equal opportunities for women would empower them,” he said.

ODP Director Stanley D Almeda said, today, women’s contribution to the development of the society and the nation was enormous. “But, still, more number of opportunities are required for them, particularly rural women. Since the past few years, they are being empowered through self-help groups and have developed skills to run business. Several women have proved their ability by providing good governance in local bodies. Better opportunities and status for women is the need of the hour for empowerment. So, there should be a debate on gender sensitisation,” he said.

According to the organisers, even Yemen is a male-dominated country and the objective of the event is to create awareness among youths about gender equality, skills, knowledge and other issues related to women.

More than 50 Yemen students, studying in various colleges in Mysuru, took part in the workshop.