Bhubaneswar, Sep 2: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday said that women’s safety and empowerment must be pursued together through strong institutions, effective implementation and collective responsibility.
Addressing the Shakti Summit in Bhubaneswar, Parida emphasised that safety and empowerment are closely interconnected and cannot be treated as separate issues.
“Women’s safety and women’s empowerment cannot be addressed in isolation. They must move together through strong institutions, effective implementation and collective responsibility,” she said.
Parida inaugurated the three-day summit, which brought together senior officials from 22 states and Union Territories.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for women. She also highlighted the need for effective implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving women’s security and expanding opportunities for their participation in social and economic development.
The participation of officials from across the country provided a platform for sharing experiences, approaches and institutional practices related to women’s safety and empowerment.
Parida said collective responsibility among government institutions and society is essential to create an environment where women can live safely, exercise their rights and participate equally in development.
The Shakti Summit is expected to facilitate discussions on strengthening systems and approaches aimed at advancing women’s safety, dignity and empowerment.
