“By not offering them equal opportunity, we are shortening the advancement of the nation’s economy by 50 per cent. You give an opportunity, they prove second to none,” he said at a programme celebrating the completion of 100 episodes of “Tejasvini” show on DD News.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Naidu said that the best indicator of a nation’s progress is its treatment of women.
“Women rightfully deserve equality, neither less nor more.
What they want is their due. They are not asking for more.
Celebrating women and girl child should be an everyday ritual,” he said.
Naidu said while the nation has come a long way in overcoming a regressive attitude, the practice of gender equality and sensitisation remains a task unfulfilled.
The minister said women have already proven themselves as able leaders in Panchayati Raj so there should be no hesitation in giving them representation in legislature be it assembly or Parliament.
Naidu said women scientists played a “critical role” in the recent ISRO satellite launch, which generated headlines all over the world.
Giving the example of cinema and how it can influence the thought process, he said “Mother India” brought mother to the centrestage of cinema but “stereotypical portrayal of women” is “partly responsible for the objectification of women today.
PTI