Speakers at 2-day forum at IIMA say women contribute significantly to economy but more needs to be done.
"While only 10.11% of the total small-scale industries were managed by women in 2004- 05, the figures came down to 9.46% in 2005-06. Around 25 lakh of the country's small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are managed by women today," said S Aparna, principal secretary-finance, Gujarat government. She was addressing the women at the 22nd national meet of the ‘Forum of Women in Public Sector'. The two-day meet — held in Ahmedabad this year — concluded at IIMA on Sunday.
Aparna also talked about government schemes and programmes for entrepreneurs, which she said are a great support for many women entrepreneurs of small-scale industries. "Also, programmes for women and child development are important, for which Rs350 crore has been spent on anganwadis," she said.
She wondered how Taj Mahal, which should be a reminder of maternal mortality in India as Mumtaz died during delivery, is remembered today as a symbol of love! Women from different backgrounds across the country were present at the two-day event.
Director of human resources, ONGC, KS Jamestin, said: "In 2005-06, the workforce participation ratio (WPR) of women was 31% in rural and 40% in urban areas, against which the WPR of men was 56%. Also, 13.5% of women were occupying board member position in 2005 in India and the figure slightly increased to 13.7% in 2006. Either women lack certain aspects of development, which we should either accept and wait for a change or do something to accelerate women development for which government intervention is also useful."
Citing an example of ONGC, Jamestin said that they provide childcare leave up to two years which can be taken in instalments as well. Also, he added, "We have paternity leave for male employees and it should be practised by every organisation to provide 'work from home' policy."
Founder of Self Employed Women's Association (Sewa), Ela Bhatt, talked about how women are different from men in many aspects. "Today, few women are on top positions, while some are in middle and bottom-level of hierarchy. One of the greatest strength of women is their different vision. Women at top levels focus on jobs and not just turnover. Their emphasis is on productive workforce and happier lives rather than profits."
Women, she added, strive for a gentler and caring economy. She further said that assets and properties are much safer in women's hands than in men's hands. In Sewa too, she said, hundreds of women manage their own money and credit.
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