In other words, mere presence of a policy document or a law (there were tough anti-dowry and anti-acid throwing measures aplenty) has hardly ever been anything more than a declaration of intent; for, it fell short of implementation and therefore, not a sufficient guarantee for establishment of all the rights for women that we set about achieving since the birth of the country, particularly since the inception of the country's constitution. We have learned the hard way that it is easier said than done.

First of all, a robust political will backed by an environment congenial to a paradigm shift in the women's overall situation in the household, family, society, workplace and policy and decision making fields will have to be brought to bear on the pressing agenda for women's advancement. Secondly, the laws that exist against different forms of violence against and exploitation of women which have been stringent in words but weak in application will have to be rewritten to be made fail-safe. In a word, we have to have an adequate legal framework on protection, preservation and full exercise of women's rights at par with those enjoyed in other countries of comparable backgrounds which have hit the high road to success in terms of gender balance and equality.

Another most important component of change relates to institutional preparations which seem to be lacking in vital areas such as, for example, in the local body institutions where women have been given greater representation but not an equal role. This instance can be multiplied, the list can be almost endless where women's policy and decision making roles are at worst conspicuous by absence or at best circumscribed by subtle devices.