President Barack Obama appointed Melanne Verveer as Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues.Ms.Verveer visited IWPC on friday, 6th of nov, 2009 to discuss the agenda of women’s progress and development in all spheres of life. She had a heart to heart with women journalists on a variety of women matters.

Talking candidly with the women journalists at IWPC, Melanne strongly advocated economic independence of the women and recommended strictest punishment for those indulging in various crimes against women.

Ms Verveer also shared her experience of Mumbai with Bollywood actors & actresses on issues of human trafficking, greater awareness for domestic violence etc. In Mumbai, she visited SEVA, a reputed NGO. Besides, she also met Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women & Child Development and bureaucrat Mr. Kumar Shikri on the issues of hundred per cent literacy, education of girl child, special agenda in terms of women empowerment, global health proposal to reduce female
mortality rate, sexual exploitation and forced labour of women among other issues.

During interaction with IWPC members, she also underlined the fact that the government cannot finish this big task alone and it requires the participation of private sector, society, academicians, institutions et al. She spoke on the issues of development, food security, climate change, micro finance for women, small & mid-size women entrepreneurs.

Ms Veveer answered the question raised by one of IWPC member on the issue of rape in Afghanistan by the US Army. To this, she strongly advocated strict punishment for the culprits on being proven guilty. She praised a lot for Indian Women Police force for performing the wonderful task as Peace Keeping Force in Liberia. On the lighter side of conversation on the lifestyle of the First Family of US, she defended the vibrant lifestyle of the Obama family and said that they represent ‘Young Ideal American Society’.

When asked about women empowerment, she candidly replied that her Government just doesn't want to categorise this issue as one among the other ones but wants to deal with it as a separate and important issue focussed for the development of women and society at large.

Madhavi shree