Bengaluru: Shivakumar calls for women’s role in jobs and politics

D.K. Shivakumar told women entrepreneurs, industrialists and finance-sector representatives in Bengaluru that women can build businesses, create jobs and take leadership roles in public life.

Speaking at a session titled “Empowering Women to Build a More Secure Tomorrow”, organised with the Ubuntu Consortium and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Shivakumar said women should have opportunities to lead institutions and governments.

He cited Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, which offers free travel for women on state-run buses, and Gruha Lakshmi, under which women heads of households receive ₹2,000 a month. He said the measures increase women’s purchasing power and circulate money in the economy.

Shivakumar also referred to government loans for women entrepreneurs at 4% interest. He called for more women in elected bodies and said women should be prepared for leadership roles in panchayats, legislatures and Parliament.