Indian Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, referred to women and children’s rights as an appropriate platform for discussion between the Islamic Republic and India, in her meeting with Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi, during her recent visit to Tehran.
She expressed readiness to offer India’s experience in IT and ICT, as well as exchanging working delegations in areas regarding women and child affairs.
Molaverdi called for more cooperation between the two nations given their historical, cultural, and civilization commonalities, IRNA reported.
Gandhi’s ministry was established 18 months ago under the new union government “to focus on the institution of the family and help empower women.” Maneka Gandhi is the daughter-in-law of the late Indian prime minister, Indira Gandhi.
Noting the high rate of abortion of female fetuses in certain regions of the country that has led to a dramatic gender imbalance in India, Gandhi said rectifying the situation is one of her ministry’s top priorities.
She also cited malnutrition, women employment at home, allocating state facilities to female entrepreneurs, and maternal leave from work for premature deliveries are among other issues the ministry aims to address.
“Further, we have plans to grant certain tax exemptions for female breadwinners to promote their status in the society. Such common issues can be the basis for effective ties between the two sides given the mutual eagerness to expand cooperation,” Gandhi said.
Taking stock of India as an up-and-coming and influential power in the region as well as the world, Molaverdi cited Iran’s continuous efforts to promote the living, social, political, and economic status of girls and women, and to increase their access to equal opportunities on par with men. Iran welcomes bolstering of international ties in various fields.
She also pointed to the role of NGOs in the women and children’s affairs and expressed readiness for mutual ties with similar Indian organizations in this regard.
The meeting was held at the Office of the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs.
