Calling women pillars of the society, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said whenever women were empowered, the whole world was empowered.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this while presiding over a state-level function organised by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department to commemorate the Women’s Day.

Several series of awareness programmes were being organised all over the state from March 1till March 8, to sensitize the women folk on sensitive issues such as domestic violence, drug abuse and harassment of women at workplaces.

Besides, the Social Justice and Empowerment Department also organised various programmes to highlight the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

While extending greetings on International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister said that the equality of women matters most.

“Today, the women were equally contributing in the progress of the State as per their male counterparts and they need to be supported, as with the collective efforts of all we can achieve the unachievable,’ he said, adding that the women have been contributing since times immemorial for bringing social change with their hidden capabilities and Shakti (power).

“Women have made a remarkable contribution in giving direction to the society and civilizations can only progress when women are equally equated with men and given due respect,” said Sukhu.

No society can progress without the contribution of women as they play an important role as a mother, daughters, wife and sister and contribute immensely in shaping society, he said.

The Congress-led governments have always been considerate towards women power and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had paved the way for 33 percent reservation for women in panchayats and local bodies through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.

Although it was opposed by many, Rajiv Gandhi was determined to strengthen the women folk and increase their participation in Nation building, he added.

Today around 57 percent of the women in Himachal were representing the Panchayats and local bodies.

The chief minister cited various examples wherein women have immensely contributed towards the development of nation, be it in the field of Politics, Sports, Culture, Business, Medical, Engineering and other fields.

The chief minister also announced to increase in the amount of Himachal Pradesh Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar from Rs 21,000 to Rs 1 lakh and district-level awards from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000.

On this occasion, he also honoured the women who have excelled in various fields.