Gender discussion looks at what ails system and the remedy

BENGALURU: Whatever it takes, speak out. This was the key takeaway from a

panel discussion

themed, 'From birth to

career peak

, why does the gender divide keep increasing and what can be done to reduce this', held in Bengaluru on Monday.

Coming in the backdrop of of the #MeToo campaign that's taken the social media by storm, the discussion, organized by Crossbow Miles on behalf of the

National Commission for Women

, sought to keep the conversation around women's empowerment in focus.

Srishti Bakshi, a former

corporate employee

who's now on a mission to walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir for the sake of women's future, engaged in conversation with women singers, academics and social workers to understand where this rot in society comes from. Srishti, who has covered 710km so far on foot and has met 10,000 people, said apart from creating awareness about economic empowerment and digital literacy among women, it was also about bringing the voice of shared experiences to the fore.

"Even if it's a schoolgirl questioning her parents about their rules, women need to step up and be brave. We all know what the problems are. Now we have to take the conversation forward and do something about it," she said.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP, said the next step was direct action and legal intervention. "People have to come forward and take decisive action. As a nation, we have several laws to protect women. The issue is that the institutions present to safeguard the rights of women have been corroded and taken over. People need to intervene legally and the relationship between citizens and government needs to change," he said, adding a safety net of laws had to be created for women.

Pragya Prasun, another panellist and an acid-attack survivor who has now started her own organization for relief and rehabilitation of other survivors, said her parents' decision to stand by her side gave her the confidence when she had none. "What happens to us doesn't change who we are. Girls need to be reminded of that. Your physical limitations should not restrict you when your potential is so much more," she said.

Sona Mahapatra, musician and producer, said working women were forced to overcompensate just to ensure entry into the 'boys' club'. "When opinionated speaking is labelled as rant, there is still a long way for us to go as a culture. Everywhere you see, representation of women is skewed and disproportionate. In the entertainment industry, it is hard to get your voice heard as a thinking woman because they try to sideline you. There are trolls everywhere on the internet, who can sully everything you say," she said.

Brinda Adige, an anti-trafficking pioneer working extensively with women and children, said deliberative dialogue to break the notion that women should be seen and not heard is required.

"When a woman tells you that her idea of freedom is taking a nap in Cubbon Park without being disturbed or molested, the way tens of men do every day, it tells you something about our society. A power equation will always exist, but we must go on celebrating ourselves. Men also need to start being open about their feelings for the mindset to change in every home," she said.