The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Suggestions on draft policy for women invited

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Karnataka

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Suggestions on draft policy for women invited

Special Correspondent

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Empowering women: Mahpara Ali, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India (left); P.M. Narendra Swamy, Minister for Women and Child Development; and Sudha Raju, convener, Women Business Leaders’ Forum, at a conference in Bangalore on Friday.

Bangalore: The State Government has invited suggestions from women’s organisations to draft a new policy for women, considering more women were in the workforce, P.M. Narendra Swamy, Minister for Women and Child Welfare, said here on Friday.

Speaking at a conference on financial planning, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Women Business Leaders Forum, he said gender equality was a constitutional provision and the opportunities for women to be economically independent were steadily increasing. “Working women may need new provisions in the law and going beyond equal pay, more women should have access to top management positions in corporates,” he said.

“Globalisation and economic growth have created more jobs for young women. There are also new gender issues such as safety at workplace and outside and career advancement guidance. Women in unorganised sectors too need help,” Mr. Swamy said.

Mahpara Ali, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Karnataka, said: “More women now come to banks to apply for loans at special terms available to them, to start or expand their enterprises. Unlike 10 years ago, they don’t bring their husbands to negotiate terms but do it themselves now.”

More capital loans were being given to women in business and this indicated a potential yet to be tapped, she felt. “Take on debt, but only after careful planning and assessing risks. The money borrowed should create more wealth even while it is repaid. Make your retirement plans while you are still young,” she suggested.

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