Break shackles of patriarchal mindset, asserts UN officer

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, February 26

Impressed with the academic and co-curricular performance of students of a women’s college in the district’s Bhiwani Rohillan village, UN Women Deputy Director General Lakshmi Puri urged them to break the shackles of the patriarchal mindset to fulfil their dreams.

She was the chief guest at an annual prize distribution function of the college here today.

“Haryanavi women have the courage and talent to achieve new heights in several fields. They must strive for a change in people’s mindset. Gender equality and women’s empowerment can be achieved with a collective effort,” she said.

Equality and courage, Puri said, were the instruments of social change. “You have the qualities to become successful. It’s heartening that the girls from a remote rural segment are highly motivated,” she said while addressing the girls.

Interacting with The Tribune on the sidelines of the function, Puri said that during her recent visit to China, she found that movie “Dangal” was a rage among the Chinese. “The story of Geeta and Babita Phogat is an inspiration for girls of Haryana in particular and India in general,” she said.

An alumnus of Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, Puri said there was need to open more institutes like the women’s college in Bhiwani Rohillan in rural areas. “In spite of being close to Delhi, reports from Haryana indicate patriarchal mindset is still prevalent in the state. Education can bring a change,” she said.