Gender equality is a powerful idiom, Says Arif Mohammad Khan

On 11th July, a panel discussion on one of the important issues “Diversity, Inclusion, Gender Equality & Women’s Rights was held during Gandhi-Mandela peace initiative alongside Believe Foundation, RBP Foundation, and The Sunday Guardian foundation in New Delhi. Aiming to celebrate 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi and 100 years Nelson Mandela, the initiative strives to bring forth the shared values of these two leaders.

The panel was moderated by Bhuvan Lall, filmmaker and author along with the diverse panelists, ShaziaIlmi, Spokesperson, BJP, Arif Mohammad Khan, Former Cabinet Minister, Union of India, Devaki Jain, Indian Economist and Writer, worked in the filed Feminist Economics, Tarina Patel, Founder, RBP Foundation and Charu Khurana, Make-up artist and Social activist.

Gender equality, a matter of concern was very well addressed by ShaziaIlmi. She quoted Mahatma Gandhi by saying, “Don’t call women the weaker sex.” What Gandhi said about the relationship between man and woman is “If the man is doing something wrong, a woman has the authority to correct the man just like my wife did.” She also talked about the teaching of Gandhi and Mandela, “These leaders have taught us that the actual freedom happens in the mind. There is no point in thinking small. As a fulfillment of life is achieved when you focus on a better life for yourselves and others.” 

Devaki Jain mentioned the common approach of both Gandhi and Mandela to resolve the issue of violence. But on the contrary, protesting the government and replacement of one government to another shows the level of discontent in the world today.

Coming back to gender equality, ArifMohammad Khan said, “Gender equality is a powerful idiom. it is not the question only for women alone but for men too and that time is near when men will also ask for gender equality.”

Talking about her experience, Charu Khurana explained her fight against the pre-formed norms and bylaws. What inspired her to fight his battle is the question of “What will I do if I do not fight?”

Bringing her thoughts from South Africa, Tarina Patel said, “It’s your responsibility, how you conduct your life. Once you realise that, you will know how powerful you are.”

Lastly, she added, “We need to fight the battle for humanity like Gandhi and Mandela.”