The role of men in gender sensitization is critical because “all the violence is male generated”, believes minister for women and child development (WCD) Maneka Gandhi.
Interacting live users on Facebook Maneka in her reply to a question said, “”all the violence is male-generated. We have introduced ‘Gender Champions’ in schools, under which boys who have been respectful and helpful to girls will be rewarded”.
Maneka was asked many questions on various issues by the social media users. Issues raised by users were related to children’s education, health and safety and crimes against women.
Talking about the issue related to alleged rape of two Nepalese maids by a Saudi diplomat in Gurgaon, Maneka said that the case was an “eye-opener” which has raised many concerns. She added that the central government would come up with safeguards that could be put in place to prevent such incidents in future.
About the other initiatives by the WCD ministry Maneka said that for women in need and trouble the ministry setting up ‘One Stop Centres’ called ‘Sakhi’.
Maneka was live on the social media to interact with users on ministry’s initiative to recognize and award women achievers through ‘#100Women’ initiative launched in July.
Under this initiative, the ministry has collaborated with Facebook to identify 100 women across the country who made a difference to their communities.