March 8, 2018
Derek O’Brien speaks during a discussion on Women’s Day
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Sir, I didn’t give my name to speak because I think men need to speak more on issues concerning women. I agree with what Anu Agha ji said, that this cannot be just one day.
I have two practical suggestions to offer, which goes beyond a speech.
Sir, my party – the All India Trinamool Congress – without any reservation bill, has 34 per cent female MPs. We all want the Bill, but this is a practical way and Mamata Di has shown the way.
Sir, in Bengal, we have the Kanyashree scheme, which has benefitted 47 lakh girls. It’s a tried and tested programme. In this atmosphere of federalism, I suggest that we implement this programme nationally.
Good wishes and good luck to not just women but to all men, to treat women better. There is an old saying that ‘behind every successful man, there is a woman’. This is cliche. Today’s it’s changed. The new saying is, behind every successful man, there is a nationalised bank.
Thank you, Sir.
