Rai Foundation organized, yet another, brain storming seminar on "Education & Empowerment for Girl Child" in Delhi. Welcoming the guests, Mr. Vinay Rai, President - Rai Foundation, highlighted the importance of educating girl children. He apprised the guests of various endeavors of Rai Foundation for women education and empowerment. The conference was chaired by Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen, Second Secretary, Embassy of Finland. She shared her views on women empowerment. Principals and academicians representing leading educational institutions attended the conference. Also were present experts on gender, education, empowerment and other related issues.

Cdr. S.S. Kumar indicated the need of a proper agency, probably through Community/Panchayat Raj, to address the problems of empowerment and education. Dr. Malabika Majumdar, Reader Kamla Nehru College, Delhi University, felt that the problem was due to haphazard distribution of wealth in different sectors and there was a need for balanced approach. Dr. Shobhna Warrier, Kamla Nehru College, opined that a change in the mindset of society was important.

Dr. Surabhi Dhingra, Delhi School of Economics, expressed concerns regarding the lack of education facilities for the girl child, due to financial problems. She emphasized that the girl child should also be taught self-defense in every possible respect: physical, mental, social economic, etc. Mr. Rai advocated the direct participation of private players, without government support.

Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Principal, College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University, said that there was a need for political, social and cultural change in the whole education sector. Dr. Kumud Khanna, Principal, Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University, wanted more attention to be given for health of girl children.

All the participants stressed on the urgent need to empower the girl child and the most important factor affecting their growth is lack of adequate education. The point of agreement was girl education is essential for women empowerment. Mr. Rai thanked the guests for their participation and active discussion and requested them to take personal interest in empowering the girl children to build a nation proud of girls.