Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed concern over low representation of women in many fields, including police where it is less than 10 percent.
Addressing the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Women's Press Corps here Sunday, Singh recalled that one of the first things he did after becoming home minister was to issue an advisory to Delhi Police, and police in other states, to fill 33 percent posts with women.
In order to make women feel more secure in public spaces, he said police forces needed to be more "women friendly", according to a press release by the IWPC Monday.
The home minister also expressed concern over the "trolling" of women in the online media where as compared to men, character assassination of women was much more virulent.
He expressed concern over the growing atmosphere of insecurity for women in the country, the statement said.
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He said all departments in the central government were conscious that it was necessary to create an environment that was progressive and safe for women.
The minister said that real empowerment of women could be achieved only by a prolonged struggle.
He also mentioned challenges of harassment at the work place.
At the same time, Rajnath Singh lauded the fact that women were taking great strides in every field and were consistent performers.
The minister also released a special souvenir with the theme "Women and the National Agenda". The function was jointly organised by the IWPC and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
