'We Still Live In A Patriarchal Society'

Having worked in the government of New Zealand in the criminal justice system for just under a decade now, Annu Sharma aims to build a robust plan for women empowerment and their economic development. A writer, motivational speaker and social worker, founder and CEO of I Am Woman, Sharma is looking to bring in more diversity and pluralism through Women Economic Forum. “When I got introduced to the Forum last year, I could relate and understand the motto behind it. That it is very close to the value systems of my organisation called ‘I am Woman’,” says Sharma who is still working in the areas of domestic and sexual violence; including other offences and specialises in crimes involving children, youth and women.

A trainer in the field of safety within the community, Sharma has been practising, studying and delivering workshops and training on life philosophy, inspiring people to live lives to the fullest potential for the past 25 years. “WEF is quite motivating and engaging with women from all over the world who attend this great networking platform. Since the last year, the New Zealand delegation coming to India has grown from 8 to 12 people and we intend to make it bigger and better by next year,” she adds.

As far as the organisation is concerned, ‘I am Woman’ stands for women empowerment and projects that focusses women activities in New Zealand besides interactions with different news agencies and women right activists.

However, Sharma believes that women, in general, are still lagging behind in terms of education. “We still live in a patriarchal society and the innate thought process has not changed. Our society requires a fundamental change and that is to encourage girl child education. With movements like Beti Bachao And Beti Padhao, the Indian government is trying its level best to improve the mindset of the society. In fact, we soon plan to tie up an agreement between India and New Zealand where both the countries will be mutually benefitted in some way,” she adds.

Talking about the women entrepreneurs she feels, “Every woman should muster the courage to grow in their favourite field without thinking about the failure.”