Chandigarh News- Change of Mindset essential to eradicate gender inequality

Chandigarh, September 7, 2013: Need to change the mindset is essential to eradicate gender inequality was emphasised at the panel discussion organised by Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) Chandigarh Chapter held at Chandigarh Press Club here today.

The Daughter’s Day seminar was focused on “Gender Inequality: Communication Strategies”. A battery of eminent personalities participated in the discussion including Vivek Atrey, Dr K K Rattu, Dr Archana R Singh among others.

Vivek Atrey, IAS, managing director, Hartron, said, “Treat daughters equally. Treat them with dignity. No doubt many women have excelled and rose to position of power, but still a lot needs to be done as gender inequality still exists in our society.”

Dr K K Rattu, Station Director, Doordarshan Kendra Dehradun, said, “Communication strategy starts from home. The society is going through Cultural Tsunami where values, morals and ethics are crashing giving birth to crime against women. The stigma of gender discrimination can be eradicated by bringing openness in our society.”

Manmohan Singh Kohli, MD, Aroma Hotel said, “Proactive role of media is pivotal for dissemination of vital information and championing the cause of gender inequality. Change of mindset can go a long way in curbing female foeticide.”

Dr Archana R Singh, former chairperson, Mass Com Department, Punjab University, said, “Communication and technology go hand in hand. Women who do not have access to technology will not be aware. Media is urban, but people are rural. Media literacy begins here and continues with advocacy which is continuous and does not stop.

Poonam Batth, Project Head, 4 G, Punjab, said, “The good news is that new generation of girls represent the most promising source of change for women.

Renuka Salwan, Chairperson, PRCI said, “I fail to understand why still gender inequality persists in our society. Professional bodies, NGO's, Government, Media and corporates need to work collectively in make our society better.”

Charanjit Singh, Northern Vice-president, PRCI, said, “The decreasing sex ratio is a matter of shame in our society. The states to popularise their schemes for women effectively through media. It is high time people come out of their orthodox thinking and give equal rights to women in all walks of life.

Narvijay Yadav, joint secretary, PRCI, Lalit Sharma, secretary and Dr Uma Sharma, vice president were also present on the occasion.