"A sustained path of socio-economic development in this region is incumbent on greater participation of women in economic activities. There have been several programmes aimed at encouraging women to take part in developmental and decision-making processes. Kerala is a pioneer in gender equity measures and is a leading state in several women-centric parameters. Yet, it was felt that a more gender-focussed approach is necessary, where all genders have equal access to development opportunities, resources and benefits, and possess equal voice in key decision-making areas," stated Mukherjee.
Calling the Gender Park a convergence centre for 'gender-related education, entrepreneurship training and capacity development activities', he hoped that it would provide a strong impetus to gender-inclusive growth. He suggested that it required becoming the centre for 'knowledge creation through relevant multi-disciplinary research and learning processes envisaged in the Park will have to be linked with policymaking'.
He stressed the need for bringing women into economic spaces not ventured by them before and urged that the Park should strive for eventually being transformed into 'a university focused on gender equality, women's empowerment and development'.
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