Geneva, Sep 5 (IANS): Men and women should participate equally in the development process as it contributes to inclusive growth, sustainable development and long-term prosperity, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said Friday.

Participating in the Ninth Annual Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament here, she said that the worth of any civilization can be judged from the position it gives to women.

She was speaking on the theme 'Building a Conducive Environment for Women's Economic Empowerment'.

The speaker said Indian culture and ethos justifiably ascribes an honoured status to women. "They are an integral part of life and dharma".

Mahajan said that as per the Indian belief, the concept of inclusiveness prevails as men and women are not independent of each other but are interdependent in the family and the larger society.

Accordingly, men and women should equally participate in the development process as it contributes to inclusive growth, sustainable development and long-term prosperity, she added.

She stressed that in order to create a more just and caring world, social and economic policies of countries should accord top priority to women as empowerment of women was the key to a better life for all.