Women politicians from across the globe on Monday made a strong pitch for economic empowerment and better social security of women.During a panel discussion ‘Empowering Women through Skills and Economic Independence’ at Kamla Nehru College here, Premier of Ontario province in Canada, Kathleen Wynne stressed on women’s participation in political decision-making. “We have over 30 per cent women representation (in Parliament). What we know from research is that when there are more than 30 per cent women sitting at a table, there will be different issues discussed. “So, from my perspective, that is why it is critical that we have more women at the table.” Meenakshi Lekhi, Chhaya Sharma (Pant), Naheed Faridi, Maiza Hameed and Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe – Parliamentarians from India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively – also took part in the discussion. Sri Lankan Minister Jayasinghe seconded Wynne over the issue and stated the government in the island country was currently drafting a Constitution and is in the process of providing “adequate” representation to women. Farid, Hameed, Sharma and Lekhi maintained women with skills need to be provided with markets to sell their products/services for economic empowerment.“Economic independence gives self respect to women. -