Governor MC Bhandare said women’s role is pivotal to a healthy society. Status of women in society has improved significantly and there is greater visibility of success of women now than it was some years before, he remarked, adding that it reflects a strong determination to shed the biased image of women as weak and dependant.
He was speaking at a function celebrating the International Women’s Day at the KIIT University here on Friday. Decrying incidents of violence against women, Bhandare said it is neither a new phenomenon nor is it confined to certain countries. It is a worldwide phenomenon that cuts across all sections of society and culture, he added.
Eminent Odissi exponent Sonal Mansingh said God exists where women are worshipped. Mother is a creator; so, she is also a form of God.
Actress and columnist Pooja Bedi said there should be harsh punishment for men for harassing women.
Thespian and columnist Dolly Thakore observed that even though it is said that the mindsets of men are changing towards women, statistics point otherwise. A woman faces molestation or rape every half an hour and death every one and a half hours, she pointed out. Founder of KIIT & KISS Dr A Samanta said while in the KIIT 30 per cent seats are reserved for girls, the KISS too places high importance on girl’s education.