World cannot progress if we leave women behind: Clinton

Mumbai, Jul 18 (PTI) US Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton Saturday emphasised the role of women for successful,
inclusive and sustainable economic progress of the world.

The world cannot progress if women are left behind in the
development as they are key to economic progress and social
stability, Clinton said.

"If we leave women behind, we will simply not progress,"
she said.

Clinton visited the trade outlet of NGO SEWA in South
Mumbai (based in western state Gujarat) and interacted with
its 1,000 shareholders through 'Skype'(an internet visual
communication mode).

"At this time of global economic turmoil, we see
disproportionate impact on women and SEWA represents the
innovative and successful approach to sustainable and
inclusive development," she said.

She also lauded the skilled artisans of the NGO for using
communication technologically effectively.

"President Barack Obama's administration will support
organisations like SEWA which teaches democracy, and build
confidence among women not only within India but also women in
the neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan,"
Clinton said.

Clinton, who has been associated with SEWA since 1995,
said she would try to push its idea at General Assembly of
the United Nations as well as through Clinton Global
Initiative.

Clinton said her government's department handling
climate change will also start working with SEWA models on
carbon saving techniques.

The US Secretary of State also bought a jacket, a
scarf and 'Korsset' for her daughter Chelsea and for herself
an orange colour blouse (tops) dyed with pomegranate skin dye.

"She preferred this over a green blouse which was dyed
in green using mehendi," Director of SEWA, Reema Nanavati,
said.

SEWA leaders including its founder Ela Bhatt, whom
Clinton always describes as her hero, Nanavati updated her
about the progress of Global Women's Trade Finance Council,
set up in New York in 2007 in with Clinton and Bhatt as its
co-chairpersons.

Recently, the branch of trade facilitation centre of
SEWA was opened in US. "We are not only working with skilled
women of India but we train women from other SAARC countries
including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh," Bhatt said.

"Our counterparts in Afghanistan have sent nuts for
Clinton," Nanavati said.

Clinton told reporters that she was happy to be with
her old friends of SEWA and praised the traditional knowledge
possessed by Indian women which they pass on from generation
to generation.

Clinton autographed a collage made by SEWA volunteers
and wrote her name on a plain white cloth which will be
embroidered and sent to her later, Nanavati said. PTI LV
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