The Telugu-speaking States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have the lowest gender parity index among the southern States, says social activist P.A. Devi.
Speaking at a seminar organised by NGO Step Ahead for Equality (SAFE) at Nalanda Degree College on November 24 (Friday) to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which falls on November 25, Ms. Devi said with 28 % of under-age marriages of girls and 23 % girl student drop-out rate in the educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh, the State cannot afford to boast about gender parity.
She said despite stringent laws put in place, women remain extremely vulnerable to violence—at home (domestic violence), at the workplace and in public spaces. “Who is to be blamed? Those in the government try to pass the buck to the people in general, saying that their mindset should change,” she said.
