Nancy Powell for more opportunities to women

New Delhi: Raising voice against barriers which stop women from using their skills and potential, US Ambassador Nancy Powell today said steps should be taken to find more opportunities for them, like measures to stop human trafficking and domestic violence.

She said women are the backbone of any country as they have the ability to move the nation forward economically, politically and socially and they also represent the future business of the world.

Addressing the 'Global Ambassadors Programme' here, she also urged everyone to support women empowerment.

"Steps should be taken to find more opportunities for women, steps to stop human trafficking and domestic violence," she said.

Referring to persistent efforts of the US to uplift women's right, Powell said, "US must be an equivocal and unwavering voice in support of women's rights in every country on every continent around the world."

Candace Browning, Head of Global Research, Bank of America, said women can be powerful drivers of economic development, improving lives for individuals, families and communities.

Alyse Nelson, CEO and President of Vital Voices Global Partnership said, "Women in world speak the same language of silence."

Nelson said, "We cannot move forward leaving half of the population behind. When women move, they move forward with family and take the world with them..."

As per World Economic Forum 2011, India has one of the lowest national female labour forces internationally, ranking 123 in the world. The gender wage gap is also less pronounced in India than elsewhere in the world.