‘Women have proven capabilities’; Kanthapuram’s anti-women remarks are unacceptable to society, says Minister Bindu Krishna 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna has criticised Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar for his controversial remarks against women. The minister said Kanthapuram’s call for women not to step outside their homes is a stand that is completely unacceptable to society in the present era.

‘India is a country devoted to gender justice, where all human beings are treated equally regardless of gender. Our girls are highly talented and capable and have succeeded in competitive examinations and demonstrated their abilities in various fields according to their interests. In a democratic system of governance, women are today serving as capable administrators, from local self-government institutions to the highest positions in the country.

Women have reached the mainstream only after fighting the challenges and hardships of earlier times. Women have also proved capable of winning medals for the country and becoming sources of pride for the nation. The general public and the government in Kerala stand with such progress by women. More girls need to come forward and that the government will provide all necessary support for them.

Women have freedom. They have the right to live with dignity and self-respect. That is my stand as a woman. There are many highly capable women administrators not only in the government but across the state. Saying that such women should not step outside their homes is a stand that is completely unacceptable to society in the present era.

Meantime, Kanthapuram reiterated that he stands by his stance against women’s freedom. He said that women entering the public sphere would lead to serious consequences and that Islam prescribed the practice of wearing purdah to avoid such dangers. Kanthapuram maintained that women should remain within the confines of their homes. He also said that, as someone who has studied Islam extensively and deeply, he has full authority to speak on matters concerning the Muslim community and to express his stands.