Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, stated that despite numerous reform movements, the struggle for women’s equality in India, particularly in Karnataka, remains ongoing. She addressed a national conference on ‘Women’s Struggle for Equality: Retrospect and Prospects’ at Karnatak University, Dharwad.
The minister highlighted persistent challenges including societal biases, economic disparities, and limited access to education and healthcare that hinder women’s full participation in society. She emphasized that legal reforms alone are insufficient; a fundamental shift in societal mindset is crucial.
The conference, organized by the Department of Studies in History, Karnatak University, explored the historical and contemporary dimensions of women’s struggles. Speakers discussed the contributions of social reformers like Savitribai Phule, and the impact of movements addressing issues like Sati, child marriage, and dowry.
Discussions also centered on the evolving nature of gender inequality, encompassing workplace discrimination, gender-based violence, and underrepresentation in political and decision-making roles. Participants noted that while progress has been made in areas like education, significant gaps remain, especially in rural areas and among marginalized communities.
Several speakers pointed out the need to address intersectional discrimination, recognizing that women from different castes, classes, and religious backgrounds face unique challenges. The conference underscored the importance of empowering women economically through skill development and access to financial resources.
Hebbalkar announced the state government’s commitment to strengthening schemes aimed at women’s empowerment, including those focused on education, healthcare, and economic independence. She also called for increased awareness campaigns to challenge patriarchal norms and promote gender equality. The conference concluded with a call for continued collective action to achieve substantive equality for women in all spheres of life.
