Dr. Charu WaliKhanna Member, NCW was distinguished speaker at Round Table Conference on “INTERFACE: Open Dialogue-Women and Government” held on on 16 th November, 2012 at New Delhi, organised by Manipuri Women Gun Survivor Network and Initiatives: Women in Development.

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, said that despite women comprising “HALF THE SKY”, they are grossly under represented in Government. She said that the 73 rd amendment in 1992 to the Constitution introduced systematic reservation of political positions for women in institutions of governance at the grass-roots level resulting in increased women’s participation; yet a long distance is still to be travelled. She also said that since the woman is the primary caretaker of the family, thus her representation in Government will prove to be a “Double Dividend”, for both Women and Children’s Rights. Dr. Charu WaliKhanna also informed the august gathering that the National Commission for Women alongwith State Commissions of Women had visited former President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil on 25 th May, 2012 to hand over memorandum to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.

Member NCW also stressed that women face numerous challenges. The first, being from her family itself, where she has to overcome gender inequality. Then in society, which imposes hurdles in the form of by cultural stereotypes. Even within the political system, women politicians face gender discrimination from within their party, which is an obstacle for her to achieve her optimum capability and success. Dr. Charu WaliKhanna said in Hindu mythology despite defence, finance and education being represented by Godess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati respectively; yet in today’s world women are not given portfolios considered important.

Member stressed on the importance of ownership of land for women and said that Women’s Land Rights are critical factors in their social status, economic well-being and empowerment. Land is a social asset, crucial for identity, political power and participation in the local decision-making process.

Other speakers included Ms. Indrani Sinha, Founder Member and Director, SANLAAP & President, IWID; Ms. Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipuri Women Gun Survivor Network and Convenor, Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace; Dr. Neelavali, Director, Initiatives: Women in Development (IWID); Dr. Reena Marwah, Secretary General, Association of Asia Scholars; Ms. Anne Marchal, EU Political Counsellor; Dr. Jyotsna Chatterji, Director and Secretary, Joint Women’s Programme; Dr. Anuradha Chenoy, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Dr. Manpreet Sethi, Senior Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies; and Mr. Ravinder Pal Singh, Former Senior Fellow University of Stockholm.

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