Bengal govt will continue its work for women's upliftment and dignity, says Sashi Panja

The state government will continue its work for the upliftment and dignity of women, Dr Sashi Panja, Minister of state (Independent charge), Child Development, Women Development and Social Welfare said on Saturday.

She was speaking at a seminar on the Changing Face of Leadership organised by CII in the city.

She said the state government had taken several steps to ensure that women living in the fringes get what they deserve. "All of us are aware of the challenges women face every day. The society has not been able to defeat gender stereotypes which will influence our upbringing and values. Scores of women face discrimination and harassment and it's high time we all worked together to put an end to this and build a stronger nation," she said.

TV Narendranan, chairman CII Eastern Region and MD Tata Steel said that women in leadership roles were not new to India. "Historically speaking, we have ample examples of women leaders in India who have inspired us over the years," he said adding "It is pleasing to know that India tops the chart in the female head of state indicator and is in the ninth place in women's empowerment in politics. Both indicate the level of empowerment among Indian women."

Rupali Basu, vice-chairperson, CII West Bengal and President and CEO, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals (East) announced CII's decision to open the West Bengal chapter of Indian Women network, a CII platform to initiate and continue discourse on potential solutions to the issues hindering empowerment of women in the work place.