Laws can't change mindsets and hearts, says Smriti Irani at World Economic Forum

NEW DELHI: Legislation has certain jurisdiction and can't change mindsets, textile minister Smriti Irani has said on the diversity issue.

"Change can't be a compulsion. It has to happen organically. Legislation has a certain jurisdiction. It can't change mindsets and hearts," she said at the CII- World Economic Forum.

Talking of breaking down diversity barriers, the minister cited media and banks which have benefitted from women mentoring other women.

"I never used gender as my crutch. Many women don't use gender as a crutch," she said.

" If we don't invest in women, we will lose a lot of talent," noted Shamina Singh, President, MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth, MasterCard.

While discussing what it will take for India to embrace and foster the diversity of its population, Sashi K Mukundan, regional president and head of country, India, BP Group stressed on the need to have a system that allows everyone to participate.

"There is a problem with middle india. The younger generation is more inclusive," added Parmesh Shahani, Head, India Culture Lab, Godrej Industries as the panellists talked of various dimensions of diversity such as equal opportunities at work, safe environment at home and public, and cultural norms and policy change for gender equality.