The panelists at the Better the Balance/Better the World event stressed upon the need "to question gender discrimination in everyday life from a young age" to establish gender equality at a recently held panel discussion in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad-based NGO, Youngistaan Foundation's, gender awareness program "Women of Courage" organized the event on 30 March 2019 to celebrate International Women's Day 2019.
The panelists who graced the occasion were - Amrapali Kata, IAS, Joint Chief Election Officer, Telangana, Swathi Lakra, IGP (Law and Order) and incharge Women Safety Wing, and Mithali Raj, Captain, Indian Women's Cricket Team.
The discussion saw a footfall of 150 people spanning various age groups and professions.
IAS officer Amrapali Kata, says, "I believe that happiness in personal life is only 50%; professional happiness makes up the rest. The rules of the game are same except that the scale and framework differs. Men generally grow up with fragile egos because they are forced to not show emotions and not be fearful. So women are forced to support that ego and be secondary."
Swati Lakhra, IGP (Law and Order) incharge Women's Safety Wing, said, "We are striving to make the city as safe as possible. No case is taken lightly. The awareness of Hawkeye app can really aid women's safety. We can balance both work and personal life if we prioritise ourselves in the first place."
Captain of the Indian women's cricket team, Mithali Raj, said, "I was a ruthless captain before but now, with time, I've learned to understand the different mindsets that come in building a team." Adding, she said, that children shouldn't be pressured to be professional but instead encourage them to play for sheer enjoyment.
In regards to understanding where the change should begin, all of the participants believe that gender neutrality takes a course of change only when people of different age groups, professions, and mindsets begin to widen their thought process to changing world and treat equally both genders.
Speaking about the event, Arun Daniel Yellamaty, Founder, Youngistaan Foundation, said, "The primary aim of the program is to give a broadened perspective from eminent personalities and encourage more people to pursue such professions."
