(From left) Doris D’Souza, the principal of Patna Women’s College, and members of the Nordic delegation inaugurate the seminar on Monday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, March 7: Gender discrimination is universal but if women want to overcome it, they will have to take the first step, said the members of a Nordic delegation participating in a seminar on women empowerment on the premises of Patna Women’s College today.

The discussion was held on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Terhi Hakala, the ambassador of Finland, Freddy Svane, the ambassador of Denmark, Gudmundur Eiriksson, the ambassador of Iceland, Ann Ollestad, the ambassador of Norway, Lars Olof Lindgren, the ambassador of Sweden and Sanna Selin, first secretary, embassy of Finland, were part of the Nordic delegation.

“We are still not free from gender-based violations. It’s true that women have moved out of their earlier confinement. They have become part of the working section but their acceptance in every kind of work is still a question and that is the main reason for them to be lagging behind the men in the society,” said Freddy Svane.

“For ensuring positive development in society, both men and women will have to contribute equally,” said Svane, adding it is important to fully utilise the potential of each and every individual for the betterment of the society and the nation.

“I am really happy to be here in this country and especially to visit Bihar as I have heard about its cultural affluence. In Norway, one can find lots of women enrolled in universities and entrepreneurship sectors whereas Indian women are still lagging behind on the education front. So far, what I have found out is that women in this country are very intelligent. The only thing they need to do is join the workforce and it can be possible only through education, ” said Ann Ollestad.

“My message to the women here is that they can be empowered through education. Don’t let your job get into your way of managing your home affairs,” added Ollestad.

Amita Sahay, secretary, Women Work Health Initiative, spoke on “Economic independence: opportunities and challenges for women in Bihar”.

“There was a time when people used to feel embarrassed on being related to Bihar. This has changed now. If the state can change, so can the women of the state if they are provided proper resources and opportunities,” Sahay said.