An Australian Delegation led by the Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja along with Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling met Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi today.
Array
The delegation discussed with the minister the ways in which they can contribute towards gender empowerment in India. The delegation highlighted the CSR work that the Australian companies are doing on pilot basis in areas of training of drivers, in sports field, in fitness and wellness sector and in skill development. They also highlighted the training initiatives taken by them through their universities.
Maneka Gandhi spoke of the valuable contribution that Australia had made in the field of maternity training in the past and spelt out areas of possible collaboration in the gender sector.
Array
She highlighted the need to set up centers of excellence in skill training which go beyond traditional courses like tailoring and embroidery. New employable trades need to be taught to women and girls, she said.
Gandhi asked the Australian delegation to identify, through their best practices experience, skills which could give women an edge with respect to employment and income.
Since the members of the delegation have been working with women drivers, she also requested the Australian delegation to consider a project in Delhi on e-rickshaws driven by women. Based on their rich experience, they could also train women vets to work in villages, the minister said.
Despoja is on a visit to India to promote the cause of Australia's international engagement with gender equality and support to the empowerment of women.
