IIFA 2014: Actresses root for women empowerment

Tampa Bay: Noted actress Shabana Azmi feels violence against women should not be tolerated. The 63-year-old actress, who is associated with her NGO Mijwan that supports the girl child, participated in a session titled - 'Girl Rising Project' at the ongoing International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) here.

"I feel sad (about the fact) that despite knowing the violent situation in marriage, often women are asked to live with it. There is a pressure to keep the marriage alive. I feel violence against women should not be tolerated," Shabana said.

The actress, however, is happy to see that today women are present in every field be it politics, corporate and others.

"Despite the presence of women everywhere it is sad that female foeticide is practised in India, not only in rural areas but in cities like Delhi, Mumbai. I think women empowerment is important and GDP of a country should be measured to the degree to women being educated," she said.

Shabana thinks education of the girl child is important as it eventually leads to the literacy of the entire family.

"One should look deep within ourselves... we should give equal opportunity to a boy and girl. We should talk to our maid or helper whether their kids especially girls are getting educated or not," the actress said.

Actress Priyanka Chopra feels that the mindset of people in India needs to change and they should no longer think of a girl as a burden. Priyanka was also  part of a session.

"I hear stories like a girl is not given education because she is going to go to another family (marriage). A boy is educated because he will bring income to the family. It is horrible. I feel the mindset of people need to change in India that a girl child is not a burden," Priyanka said.

"I am lucky that I had the opportunity to choose and do what I want to do. We all should support the future of a girl," she added. The 31-year-old actress said celebrities should take some time off from their busy schedules and do their bit for the society.

"As an actor I do as much as I can. I think we all should take time to do something for society... it is important," she said.

A short film on the same subject 'Girl Rising Project' was also shown. Priyanka loved the film so much that she plans to talk to her friends in Bollywood to make this film in Hindi and other regional languages.

Priyanka feels fortunate that her parents have given her the freedom of speech and the right to stand up for what she believes in.

"I feel fortunate that in my family we had equal opportunity (for boys and girls). I think we must have equal faith in girls and boys. Parents need to change their mindset," she said.