Aligarh: Experts called for the realisation of rights for ending violence against women, providing health care services that respond to their needs and equal participation in political life and in decision-making in all areas of life during the webinar on 'Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights' organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University to mark the 'International Women's Day.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Abdulrahim Vijapur, Former Chairman, Department of Political Science delineated socio-legal problems faced by women all over the world.

He discussed the international efforts undertaken for gender equality and justice, such as the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women through which four international Conferences on women issues were held each in Mexico City, Copenhagen, Nairobi and Beijing.

Prof. Abdulrahim further discussed the adaptation of gender equality goals by the United Nations in its eight Millennium Development Goals and 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

He added that the message of the Human Development Report 1995, 'Human Development, if not engendered, is endangered' is a far-reaching note.

Prof. Abdulrahim remarked that the United Nations and other international bodies have acted as the catalyst to bring change in the mindset of people, extending human rights and equality.

"The progress in this regard is uneven and modest and challenges lie ahead, but with education, economic and political empowerment; complete gender equality and a world without gender discrimination is possible," he emphasised.

Renowned paediatrician, Dr Hamida Tariq, the chief guest, pointed out that despite significant gains; women still find gender equality elusive.

She delineated the plight of women and discrimination against them in daily life with case studies.

"If women are provided with the right opportunities, they can outperform their male counterparts in all walks of life. Men of quality should never be threatened by women; rather they should consider themselves as allies and work together," said Dr Hamida.

She added: "Gender equality is the foundation of a peaceful and sustainable world that benefits all, therefore all children especially the girl child should be raised and nurtured at home and school in order to develop leadership qualities, rather than pushing them to make unnecessary compromises and fall in guilt trap".

Speaking on 'Evolving Dynamics of Women and State Relationship in India', Prof. Rachna Kaushal, Department of Political Science, discussed guaranteed provisions in the Indian constitution for women's rights.

She said that women rights can be realised through the policies and programmes formulated and implemented by the state.

Prof. Rachna deliberated various approaches for the welfare, development and empowerment of women.

In the presidential address, Prof. Nisar Ahmad Khan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, stressed the need for the society to promote and inculcate the formal legal rules framed by the state institutions for gender equality.

He acknowledged the efforts of women in the journey of the realisation of their rights and urged them to persistently continue these efforts until the goals of gender equality are achieved.

Prof. Nisar Ahmad also proposed the vote of thanks and Dr Md. Adil Ghaznavi delivered the welcome address and conducted the programme.