IMF chief invokes Delhi rape victim in Davos

The chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday invoked last month's gangrape in Delhi to make a passionate appeal for gender equality. The expectations of India's women of greater respect and justice must be met, IMF managing director Christine Lagarde said at the World Economic Forum.

Lagarde also remembered Pakistani teenager Malala Yousufzai who was attacked by the Taliban for supporting education for girls. "I dedicate the moment to Malala, daughter of Pakistan, and another daughter in India (the 23-year-old gangrape victim)," Lagarde said.

"... But you will ask what it has to do with economy," Lagarde said. "It is indeed about economy and equality and bringing in prosperity. No policymakers have paid enough (attention) to the fact that more equal distribution of income would help in supporting women better. Gender inequality is also very important and the policymakers have not paid enough attention to either of the two. The fact is when women do better the country does better and policymakers need to understand this."

PTI

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