Courting controversy, union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Monday said that the role of men in gender sensitisation was critical since "all the violence is male-generated".


The role of men in gender sensitisation was the most critical since "all the violence is male-generated. We have introduced (the concept of) 'Gender Champions' in schools, under which boys who have been respectful and helpful to girls will be rewarded", the minister said in reply to a question while interacting live with users on Facebook, as part of the ministry's '#100Women' initiative launched in July.


Under the initiative, the ministry has collaborated with the social media platform, Facebook, to identify 100 women across the country who made a difference to their communities.


During the time she spent on live chat in the digital space, Gandhi was asked many questions on children's education, health and safety, crimes against women and other political issues, though she answered only some questions.


As for the alleged rape of two Nepalese maids by a Saudi diplomat in Gurgaon in Haryana, Gandhi said the case was an "eye-opener" and added that the central government would see what safeguards could be put in place to prevent such incidents in future.


On the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the minister said, "We get periodic reports from the states and work with the National Commission for Women and the police."


The ministry was also setting up 'One Stop Centres' called 'Sakhi', which would play an active role in helping women in trouble, she added.