Bengaluru: State Health Minister U.T. Khader’s recent remark on how women should learn from men who can handle difficult situations, has not gone down well with former minister for Medical Education and Science and Technology Nafees Fazal.
Terming the comment regressive and sexist, Ms Fazal contested Mr Khader’s claim, saying, “It is a biologically proven fact that women are stronger than men in handling stress. Being a health minister belonging to a national party, he should do his homework before making such statements."
It is quite contrary to the vision of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who fought for women’s empowerment 30 years ago.
Mr Khader, at a launch of a fertility clinic in Mysuru, had said that in the name of empowerment, women are trying their hands at all sorts of work and stressing themselves out, leading to health risks.
“Does he want us women to go back to purdah? Making such comments at the launch of a fertility clinic is like saying women are responsible for not having babies. Doesn't he know that low sperm counts are also a reason for infertility," she asked.
