Siddharth Chatterjee: Perspectives-My work in the United Nations, the Red Cross and the Indian Army

Indian Bollywood movies have for years perpetuated two stereotypes about law-enforcement in the country. They are either bumbling fools, always arriving well after matters have been sorted and justice has been served. Or they are corrupt; venal men out to exploit the system to satisfy their greed. In truth, while neither stereotype is fully representative of law enforcement personnel in the country, they are not entirely wrong either. The recent spate of rapes, unbridled violence, police brutality, a distressing absence of respect for women's rights and a general breakdown of law and order in many parts of India is a matter of grave concern. Here is a link to my opinion piece: "How to improve India’s police – a roadmap" http://www.firstpost.com/ blogs/how-to-improve-indias- police-a-roadmap-677462.html

India is generally at or near the bottom of the heap of women's misery. A UN index in 2011 amalgamated details on female education and employment, women in politics, sexual and maternal health and more. It ranked India 134th out of 187 countries, worse than Saudi Arabia, Iraq or Iran. In this article Cherie Blair and I make the case that financial independence, especially for urban poor and rural women, is the best way to ensure their empowerment. This can only come through jobs. Women are half India’s demographic dividend; if they are given the right tools and community support, they can not only become financially independent, but could also become the engines that fuel India’s future growth.   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cherie-blair/promoting-womens-economic_b_2917923.html