Seeking revision on the National policy for Women (2001), Union Woman and Child Development
(WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi, on Monday, asked experts for a definitive action plan which could be implemented at the earliest.
Maneka sought “workable” suggestions from the experts and Ministry officials based on the ‘Status of Women in India’ report prepared by a high-level committee appointed by the government.
“We do not want rhetoric or another set of inter-ministerial committees which will ideate for years. We need to act on a concrete plan to ensure that we make changes necessary to uplift the status of women,” said Maneka, addressing, the workshop attended by 71 experts from across the country organized by the WCD Ministry in the Capital.
The workshop saw participation of 22 officials from various Ministries and 22 representatives of different non-Government organisations.
“We need to brainstorm on women welfare measures and schemes to evolve an appropriate policy intervention based on the assessment of women’s economic, legal, political, education, health and socio-cultural needs,” she said.
Experts from diverse fields such as health, education, law, social sector, media and IT made recommendations on the basis of assessment of the report.
Decriminalising prostitution after consulting sex workers, monitoring implementation of domestic violence laws and extending maternity benefits to adoptive and surrogate mothers were some of the suggestions made during a workshop.
The experts also suggested bringing anganwadi and ASHA workers under labour legislation and hundred per cent access to toilets for girls in schools.
The report was commissioned by the Ministry in May, 2013 and is a culmination of two years of examining data and reports besides widespread consultation and intense research.