NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today pitched for measures to sensitise men on bringing gender parity in media, entertainment and other sectors to end the “discrimination” being faced by women.
“We need to consistently do this awareness campaign particularly in the family and office environment. With education, awareness and empowerment and the result-giving ability, I think the day of equal opportunity is not very far,” he said.
Speaking at a “national dialogue” on ‘An Equal Space: Gender Parity in the Media and Entertainment Sector’ organised by ASSOCHAM, Javadekar said that the world has lost a great deal of talent by not partnering with women.
“Since ages, mankind has been unable to use such a great pool of talent, potential and capability as it did not recognise the power of women. And even today we don’t know whether or not America will get its first women President,” he said.
He said that women have the power of 4Cs which stands for compassion, conviction, consistency and courage. “I believe that women have more of these qualities than men,” he said.
He said women are making mark in every field and taking over men. “If Vidya Balan and Kangana Ranaut can single-handedly bring success to a movie then it should be a worry for Salman (Khan) and others,” he said.
National Commission for Women Chairperson Lalita Kumarmangalam said that through this dialogue, the government would flag issues that have not been talked about with reference to gender bias within Media and Entertainment while calling for suggestions to ensure parity.
“We would like to ask for solutions and ideas and let us know what government can do to promote gender equity,” she said.
The Chairperson noted that there are less than 15 per cent women directors in the Bollywood.
“Even as contribution of women in these industries has been accepted, there is an invisible barrier that still exists as most women do not get equal remuneration. Women from Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes who are not educated face more problems in getting jobs,” she said.
The first women make-up artist Charu Khurana was allowed to work with legal intervention as unions who control the film industry refused to give her job, she said.
“We had to appeal in the Supreme Court to allow Charu to work. And before she came to us, people did not even think about the fact that there are no women make-up artist. Now there are around 150-200 artists working in the industry,” she said.
“There are spot-boys in film industry. But has anyone heard of spot-girls…. Very few women are working as light and sound technicians,” she said.
Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand said that the only thing that women need is freedom to choose and right to excel.
“What women today want is the freedom to choose and the right to excel. They get the opportunity, it will happen. How the opportunity comes that matters. There is only one lady Supreme Court judge out of about 36 judges. The proportion speaks for itself,” she said. (PTI)
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