Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath today said though our constitution has provided equal status and rights to women, they still face discrimination and violence within and outside their households irrespective of their status in the society.
Addressing the first meeting of the reconstituted high level committee on status of women, Tirath emphasised on the need for spreading awareness of their rights and entitlements amongst the fairer sex at the grassroot level.
She said it is pertinent that the status of women be known and policies be framed for their active participation in various sector.
Expressing concern over rising cases of violence against children and women, Tirath stressed upon making 'Ahimsa Messengers' at the grassroots level and train them to spread awareness about the legal provisions, rights and government schemes amongst women. These would include the panchayat leaders and workers, anganwadi workers and Asha workers.
The Centre had set up the high level committee on the status of women to undertake comprehensive study to understand the status of the fairer gender since 1989 as well as to evolve appropriate policy interventions based on a contemporary assessment of women's needs in February 2012.
The Committee will conduct an extensive literary survey on the status of women in India from 1989 onwards. It will prepare a report on the socio-economic, political and legal status of women in India and submit it to WCD Ministry within two years.
