Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi showcases India's achievements on gender equality at the Beijing + 20 review for Asia pacific Region Highlights financial independence being fundamental to achieving gender equality

The Union Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi has re-affirmed Indias commitment to gender equality, empowerment of women and eradication of poverty among them. Opening the session on ministerial presentations at the Asia and Pacific Conference on Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment: Beijing+20 Review at Bangkok on Wednesday, the Minister said that women in India may have seen poverty and illiteracy but are marching ahead rapidly to become equal contributors in the economic and social development of the nation and aiming to set their footprint on the world. The Minister presented a detailed picture of initiatives undertaken by the government across ministries with interventions in legislative, institutional and service delivery fronts. Smt Maneka Gandhi stated that as minister for women and child development of the second most populated country of the world with a women population of 60 crores, she is a representative of women who may have suffered gender inequality for centuries but are committed to claim their place in the society.