Government determined to empower women

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated the Union government’s resolve to ensure security, economic empowerment, self-reliance and social equality for women in the country.

In separate comments on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Mukherjee and Modi highlighted the various initiatives being taken by the Union government to improve the socio-economic conditions of women.

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At a function at Rashtrapati Bhawan to present the ‘Nari Shakti Puruskar’ for 2016, Mukherjee referred to incidents of violence against women and pointed out how the government is trying to mitigate the situation.

"The government is… concerned at the rising rate of violent crimes against women. It is inexcusable that women in India do not feel as secure and safe as they should. Gender biases have no place in modern India where inclusive development is a key objective.

“A greater emphasis on early sensitisation of children and youth in schools and institutions of higher learning would help inculcate due respect for the female gender. This should be taken up through appropriate measures in our rural and urban populations and through well-conceived and coherent Government programmes,” President Mukherjee said.

Stressing on the need for creation of an ‘enabling environment’ for gthe irl child and women to help them fulfill their aspirations, Mukherjee mentioned the Prime Minister’s ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign’ in response to the falling child sex ratio in many parts of the country.

A statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office here said Modi saluted the spirit of ‘Nari Shakti’ on International Women's Day.

“Saluting the indomitable spirit, determination & dedication of Nari Shakti on International Women's Day…GoI’s various initiatives seek to facilitate economic empowerment, self-reliance & social equality as far as Nari Shakti is concerned.

“Looking forward to addressing a conclave of women Sarpanchs & honouring trailblazers who have worked towards a Swachh Bharat,” the PMO release, quoting Modi said.