Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW was Chief Guest at seminar on ‘Globalization viz-a-viz Economic Empowerment of Women in North East India’ held at Guwahati, Assam on 23.03.2013. The programme was organized by South Asia Bamboo Foundation in association with FICCI, NE and FLO NE Chapter. 

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna in her Key Note Address said globalization is “the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labour markets”. She said globalization has a gender impact. It has created MORE VISIBILITY OF WOMEN. Women are functioning in various roles and capacities i.e. from high-level managers to taxi drivers, with globalization liberating women from tradition roles. On one hand technology and communication have reduced isolation of women; while on the other hand due to improved transportation and mobility women are in larger numbers, migrating from rural areas to find work in urban areas. They are experiencing independence and self-sufficiency not previously known. 

Dr Charu WaliKhanna simultaneously warned that there is fear globalization will exacerbate gender inequality. She expressed concern on shrinking of land available for subsistence farming, on which many women in India depend for their livelihood and that of their families. She also said that globalization has contributed to pollution and climate change, both of which affect women differently than men. She stated that the increased mobility and migration has led to increased trafficking, smuggling in slave labor and prostitution which is a major concern for NCW. 

The welcome address was given by Mr. Kamesh Salam, Executive Director, SABF, who proudly stated that 60% women are involved in programmes / activities related with bamboo in the North East Region, Mr. Biswajit Chakrabarty, Head, FICCI, North East proudly stated that the head of FICCI is a woman- Ms Naina Lal Kidwai. 
Guest of Honour Ms. Pratima Sharma, Chairperson Assam Social Welfare Board, spoke about the schemes run by the Board and need for the education. 

Ms. Monideepa Barkotoki, Member Secretary, Assam State Commission for Women (ASCW) said that ASCW is involved in creating awareness of women’s rights, since most victims of the domestic violence are not aware of various schemes meant for them, had access to them. 

Ms. Queen Oja, Chairperson FLO and former Chairperson ASCW spoke on FLO Activities. 
The Plenary Session was Chaired by Dr. Charu WaliKhanna. 

Dr. Sriparna Barua, Senior Faculty Member, IIE, who is associated with the MBA department of various universities in North East India & other training and research institutions as an examiner / guest faculty, gave a presentation. 

The distinguished Panelists of the Plenary Session included: Ms. Teresa Rehman, Managing Editor of a contemporary news magazine and Jt. Secretary, South Asia Women in Media (SWAM) who has won accolades for her work, spoke on the need for feminization of news and women’s angle in news reporting. Ms. Pratima Sharma, Chairperson, Assam Social Welfare Board, spoke on the working of Family Counseling Centers of the Board. And Ms. Banamallika Choudhury, women and human right activist working with Action Aid, said that there is a need for including gender component in all policies and not only by way of schemes for women.

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