Delivering the first Dr Ram Joshi Memorial Lecture at the SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sion (W), on `Women in the Next Millennium -- Issues and Challenges', Dr Varghese observed that mere employment was construed as economic independence by most. But women continued to be in marginal employment, and even liberalisation had not made much of a difference in the scenario.

``Over 89 per cent women are employed in the unorganised sector,'' the vice-chancellor stated, adding that the participation rate of women in the labour force had risen from 22.9 per cent in 1991 to 38 per cent in 1995. Female labour also came cheap by 25 per cent, she said. Further, women laid off from other sectors joined the unorganised sector, Dr Varghese added.

``To create an identity of theirown, economic independence is imperative. Women have to break through various limitations and achieve that,'' Dr Varghese said. However, women have failed to gain economic independence despite their role in the household and outside. To bring in a difference, a change in attitude is essential, the SNDT vice-chancellor said, which again hinges on making women aware of their political rights. ``Empowerment is not possible unless there is an awareness about rights,'' she said.