New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The economic slowdown has had a direct impact on the per capita income, which has affected women the worst, said experts at a panel discussion here Wednesday.

'The global economic slowdown which has hit all nations alike has had severe implications for women and children,' said Ranjana Kumari of the Centre for Social Research, the organisation that organised the discussion.

'The decline in per capita income of poor families is making women more and more vulnerable and is depriving them of their basic necessities,' Kumari said.

'Therefore, five core issues - that is declining sex ratio, domestic violence, women's equal representation in parliament, gender budgeting and sexual harassment at workplace - must be focussed on by the government.'

Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed, who was also a part of the discussion, said the plan panel was in the process of reviewing the current five-year Plan to address the ineffective implementation of various government policies.

'The Planning Commission is working towards a mid-term assessment report of the 11th Five-Year Plan to identify the gaps which are leading to ineffective implementation of the policies and schemes meant for the welfare of women and children,' Hameed said.

'Lack of political will, corruption at implementing levels and leakage of funds are inevitably hampering the holistic development of vulnerable sections of the society,' she said.

'Until and unless the economic growth matches the social welfare, we cannot dream of inclusive development of our society.'