Consul General of France in Kolkata Virginie Corteval on Monday batted for empowerment of women, saying the issue should not be considered as something "exceptional".
Speaking at the interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Expert Committee for Women Development and Empowerment, Corteval said parents of young girls need to encourage them to study and be independent.
Corteval also stressed on the need for safer workplace environment for women, where they are given equal opportunities.
The diplomat shared her past work experiences, including in the human resource domain, where she had come across women who faced issues at workplace.
"The issue of empowerment of women is natural and not to be considered as exceptional..." she said.
The session was attended by women business leaders and entrepreneurs from Kolkata.
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"I am happy to have interacted with Indian women who are empowered... We shared thoughts about the importance of education for young girls," she said.
"I would love to keep on interacting with these ladies for future business relations between France and India," the diplomat added.
On women having more on their plate than men in terms of family responsibilities, she advocated work-from-home facilities for women to strike a better work-life balance.
Corteval added that she enjoyed her recent trip to Chandernagore, a former French colony, where the diplomat witnessed 'Jagaddhatri Puja' festivities.