Sharing that “there is no gender discrimination in nature,” HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – along with Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji – welcomed the UNFPA India representative, Andrea Wojnar Diagne, and her team to Parmarth Niketan to continue work on a project to ensure a Gender Equal World for all. “Some facts prevalent in society,” He continued, ” like women are biologically weaker than men – these are just misconceptions that have to be addressed to remove them from people’s thinking and behaviour.”
“Women’s position in Indian society during the Vedic period was very strong. Women were given equal representation in all areas of society – and, as with Vidushi Apala, Gargi and Lopamudra – even contributed to the creation of the Vedas! Through the centuries, women’s status declined, and now there is a great need for women’s empowerment.”
“If we want real change in society,” added Ms Wojnar, “then faith-based organizations must be included in any discussion about Gender-based Violence, Gender Inequality, Menstrual Hygiene and even sex. We must provide them with a platform to add their wisdom, and the platform that we have created would not have been possible without the guidance of Pujya Swamiji and the efforts of Pujya Sadhviji. Bringing Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh leaders together to spread awareness of our harmful traditions is only possible because of the strong leadership of Pujya Swamiji.”
Sadhviji shared that, in order to carry this message to a larger audience, “we held a detailed discussion to cull and disseminate – through programs and schools and social media platforms – the stories of religious leaders that will help inform people that these harmful practices against women must end. Our efforts will play an important part in empowering women and achieving equality in the next 25 years that India is celebrating as the ‘Amrit Kaal’.”
Joining Pujya Swamiji, Andrea Wojnar and Pujya Sadhviji were UNFPA’s Dr. Nilesh Deshpandeji, Ankita Singhji and Ganga Nandinji, who said that “in some states of India, women are not considered equal to men due to patriarchal thinking. With faith leaders and spiritual institutions, we can change that thinking.”
