Gender Equality Declaration by Hindu Council of Australia

Hindu Council of Australia stands for Gender Equality and Respect for Women

By Prakash Mehta, President

As a peak Hindu body, Hindu Council of Australia is working to help Hindus live in harmony with all the other communities in Australia. To achieve this we have a mission to work for a strong, cohesive and active Hindu community that is committed to Gender Equality and Respect for Women.

Our tradition has it that: where women are worshiped, prosperity is there. There is a famous story which is the basis of one of the most celebrated festivals in India. In the story, all the divine forces fail to overcome powers that obstruct human progress; they approach Mother Goddess, and convince her to fight the dark powers. She achieves victory over the forces of darkness and makes our progress possible. This story is a statement of a deep spiritual realization that in critical stages of progress Mother Goddess is essential.

The biggest challenge the Hindu community faces today is to again make these deeply held beliefs as living realities where Mother Goddess is worshiped in temples, in homes, at work, and everywhere.

We have a commitment to gender equality and respect for women is in-built in our cultural values. Hindu council of Australia believes that women and men must have equal rights, opportunities, as well as responsibilities that enable each person to actively participate in all aspects of life that includes social, religious, political and economic activities. We believe that men and women must have equal participation in decision making processes and thereby creating a socially inclusive community.  In our culture, women always have been and will continue to be treated with full dignity and respect. We have a strong focus on bringing women in leadership roles.

Hindu Council acknowledges the important role of women in our community, the silent achievers and home makers as well as those women who have made contributions in professional roles. On this occasion we will be honouring outstanding women who have made significant contributions and celebrating their achievements. 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all these women whose contributions shape us, our children and our community.

Please join us  today to celebrate International Women’s day and let’s stand together, for Gender Equality and Respect for Women, not just for International Women’s Day but as a foundation of our community and the society.

Prakash Mehta,

National President

11 March 2018

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