D.K. Shivakumar Calls for Greater Role for Women in Business and Politics

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed women entrepreneurs, industrialists, and financial leaders in Bengaluru on Wednesday, calling for women to expand their roles beyond domestic responsibilities and take up leadership positions in business, government, and elected bodies.

Speaking at a session titled "Empowering Women to Build a More Secure Tomorrow," organised in partnership with the Ubuntu Consortium and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), Mr. Shivakumar drew an analogy from the Ramayana to underline the strength of women. He noted that Sita's role in the epic was more powerful than that of Ram, citing her incomparable struggles, her sacrifices, and her role in managing society and her sons while maintaining purity.

Mr. Shivakumar told the gathering, which included representatives of financial institutions and industry associations from across India and abroad, that women possess the ability to lead institutions, manage businesses, and generate employment. He emphasised that women should not remain confined to household responsibilities when they can serve as drivers of social change.

Highlighting measures taken by the Karnataka government, the Chief Minister referenced state welfare initiatives including the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on State-run buses, and the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, under which women heads of households receive ₹2,000 each month. He noted that these programmes help circulate money through the broader economy by increasing the purchasing power of women. He also highlighted government support for women entrepreneurs through concessional credit, noting that loans are being provided at an interest rate of 4%.

Turning to political representation, Mr. Shivakumar said increasing the participation of women in elected bodies is essential to strengthening democracy. With political parties having broadly accepted reservation for women, he stated that efforts must focus on preparing educated and capable women to take up leadership roles in panchayats, state legislatures, and Parliament.

Highlighting Bengaluru's economy, Mr. Shivakumar pointed out that women professionals already make significant contributions locally. He observed that more than 40% of the doctors produced in Bengaluru are women, contributing alongside the city's emergence as one of the world's major technology centres.