Sonia Gandhi: “Inequality imposed on women in the name of ‘tradition’”

Speaking at the second Eurasian Women's Forum at St Petersburg in Russia, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi urged an equal share for women in workplaces and public offices and more importantly, advocated for a change in mindsets to bring about such a change in the society.

At the forum, Sonia Gandhi said women across the world face common challenges. “All too often, inequality is imposed on women in the name of ‘tradition’. That needs to change. We cannot accept recurring ill-treatment, as a way of life,” she said.

Here is the full text of her speech:

Hon’ble Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly and Chair of the Organising Committee;

Hon’ble Galina Karelova, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chair of the Organising Committee;

Your Excellencies, distinguished guests and friends:

It is a privilege to join such a distinguished gathering of women leaders from across the world at the 2nd Eurasian Women’s Forum, here in the beautiful city of St Petersburg.

As I look around this room, I am struck by the remarkable strength and vigour of our gender, that has made possible such a vibrant celebration of women, from a variety of professions, geographies and walks of life.

I would like to express my gratitude to the esteemed organisers of this Forum for bringing together such bright minds and impressive leaders on a common platform.

Meeting in this historic city, how can we forget, how here in Russia in 1941, Hitler’s blitzkrieg of mighty tanks and armies was stopped in its tracks not just by the men of the Krasnaya Armiya, but by the combined effort of over one million women who were on the front line as soldiers, fighter pilots, doctors, tank drivers, aircraft gunners, partisans, and snipers as well as support staff. Russia has many firsts in the struggle for women’s equality: the first to achieve full adult suffrage for women, the first female ambassador, the first woman in space.

We must also pay tribute to women elsewhere who were in the political frontline of earlier battles, to the powerful ideas unleashed by women’s movements that have changed society’s outlook across the world.

It is clear from these examples that the wheel of history, at its most crucial moments, has often been turned by women. It is also clear that the frontiers of the future of humanity will also be extended by women, who are already playing an influential role.

I have had the privilege of serving for several years as the President of India’s largest and oldest political organisation, the Indian National Congress. I am proud that my party has always championed the rights of women and maintained a strong commitment towards empowering them. Women played a stellar role in our historic non-violent struggle for freedom from colonial rule. They participated in the various movements led by Mahatma Gandhi. They defied colonial laws and went to jail, often along with their little children. They achieved leadership positions as well. We had women Presidents of our party at a time when many democracies were yet to even give women the vote. And we were, of course, the political party that gave our country its first woman head of government—Indira Gandhi. Many of you have heard her name, a woman who ably and courageously steered the country through 16 challenging years. India was also one of a handful of countries in the world that granted universal suffrage from the stroke of our Independence in 1947, fulfilling a pledge that the Congress Party had taken in 1928. In 1952, when we held our first national elections, 80 million of my fellow countrywomen cast their vote without any discrimination or restriction. It was a historic and revolutionary moment in the developing world.

In the 70 years that have passed since we gained our Independence, women in India have fought against poverty, disease, discrimination, and patriarchy. Yet, they continue to be the casualties of paternalistic traditions that dominate many of our communities. Women still suffer the brunt of discrimination and gender inequality, even violence. While we strive to work against these forces in India, I am struck by how common are the challenges that women across the world face today in impediments to a life of dignity and equality.

The integral role that women will play in the future of humanity is well recognised in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We all understand that these goals will only be attained if we ensure the full participation, and even leadership of women.

First, we must recognise that, as women who have been able to exercise political authority and privilege, we have a moral obligation and duty to ensure that we help give voice to women across the world, who have been kept silent so far.

Second, we must celebrate and welcome our diversity of colour, class, caste, and custom, for it is that very diversity that remains one of our greatest strength. The movement to advance and secure the lives of women must be one that is inclusive of all sections and accepting of all differences.

Third, we must also recognise that the majority of women continue to remain victims of oppression, violence and discrimination. For instance, according to the United Nations, one in three women is currently likely to be subjected to physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. All too often, inequality has been imposed on women in the name of ‘tradition’ within the family and community. That needs to change. We cannot accept recurring mistreatment, as a way of life. I am heartened to know that the women in this room have worked throughout their lives to change this abject reality, often having had to fight it personally. It is my hope that we can continue to unite in our common endeavour to make the world an empowering platform for all women.

Fourth, we must work to create a climate where women are given an equal share in the workplace and in public office. It is striking that as of last year, only two nations in the world had a representation of 50% (or more) women members, in Parliament, in any House. Less than 25% of national parliamentarians across the world are women. Even less is the proportion of women serving as Ministers in a government. And this despite overwhelming evidence that involving women in political decision-making has a multiplier effect in that it improves the quality of every system.

We will not be able to reverse this reality overnight. But it is my hope that in alliance with progressive male counterparts, we can help open up this space. In our country, it is a matter of pride for me that the Congress Party is committed to introducing reservations for women in one-third of the seats in the national Parliament. Such legislation will be an important stepping stone for our women.

But as we all know, laws alone do not change the world. It is far more important to change mindsets. This is the challenge before us as we embark on our discussions today. I wish you all a productive conference.