New Delhi: Cherie Blair, who rose from a common background to become a reputed lawyer in Britain, today stressed on equal representation of women in democratic set up in both India and the UK.
According to Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the nation would suffer if it does not use the potential of women.
"Representative democracy should be representative. Something is happening at community and local level in India. But both India and the UK have a long way to go," she said at the HT Leadership Summit here.
Speaking on Educating girls and a better world for all , Blair regretted the condition of women in Britain where women earn 20 per cent less than men. In corporate sector, 40 per cent of the directors are women.
The key to change in the condition of women is education, she said. Investment for education of girl children will have inter-generational impact.
"An educated mother will educate her children. The nation will be benefited by it," she said.
She attributed the significant gender gap in education in India to widespread cultural view which gives more values to boys than girls.
Specific policy can narrow the gender gap. There has to be more women teachers in schools. The schools should have toilet facilities, Blair said.
"Over next 20 years, if India could narrow down the gender gap, it will result in additional one per cent of GDP," she said.
