The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the 31 st Foundation Day Celebrations of National Commission for Women in New Delhi today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is not possible to imagine a strong and healthy society without women empowerment. Together we have to work towards creating an environment where all women can fully participate and contribute in the socio-economic, cultural and political spheres significantly. Women empowerment is not just an issue of social justice but it is also crucial for economic development. India is the fifth largest economy in the world and now moving towards becoming a five trillion dollar economy. Active role of women would be helpful in achieving this goal.

Speaking about gender discrimination, the President said that even today the situation of gender-ratio in many parts of the country is worrying.  She emphasized that it is not only the responsibility of the government but of the whole society to change this situation. She said that while ensuring gender justice, we have to make our development equitable.

The President noted that the mission of the National Commission for Women is to address the specific problems arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women and to strive for the empowerment of women. She stressed that only by improving the status of women, the country would be able to make overall progress.

The President was happy to note that the National Commission for Women is committed to gender equality and empowerment through its continuous efforts. She urged all the women to move forward with determination by overcoming all kinds of obstacles. She also urged them to be aware of their rights and also make others aware of the same .

 Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt Smriti Zubin Irani,  MoS WCD Shri Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai and Chairperson, NCW, Ms Rekha Sharma and Secretary, WCD Shri Indevar Pandey also graced the occasion.

During the event, Union WCD Minister Smt Smriti Zubin Irani launched the Commission’s journey book "Sashakt Nari, Sashakt Bharat" and presented the first copy to the Hon’ble President. At the beginning of the event, the Hon’ble President was also given a walk-through of the photo exhibition of the Commission’s activities and achievements over the years.

Union WCD Minister Smt Smriti Zubin Irani  said that the NCW along with members of the Ministry of Women and Child Development and State Commissions for Women, members and State Governments have been  collaborating on issues of women particularly women who need rescue and relief. She  stated that there have been many  stories that are untold.  She said that  these are stories that we hope provide solution to  many a people across the country.

Chairperson, NCW, Ms Rekha Sharma expressed gratitude to the President of India for attending the NCW event and how her exemplary life is an inspiration for women across the country. She spoke on how the Commission has been working for women from every strata of the society and the aim of the Commission is to encourage their social, economic and political participation. She gave details about the various important initiatives launched by the Commission for women empowerment during the past year.

“Hon’ble Prime Minister has paved the  way for the country from women empowerment to women-led empowerment due to which women today are holding several important political and administrative posts. On this occasion, we pledge ourselves to work for the cause of women, society and for the cause of Nation,” said Ms Sharma.

The National Commissions, State Commissions for Women, Foreign Embassies, dignitaries from the legal fraternity, senior government officials, Department of Women and Child Development in State Governments, MPs, MLAs, University and College teaching faculty and students, senior officials from the police department, National and State Legal Services Authority, members of the NCW advisory Committee, and NGOs were present during the event.

The Commission has organized a two-day event to celebrate its 31^st Foundation Day from 31st January, 2023 to 1st February, 2023. The theme of the programme was ‘Sashakt Nari Sashakt Bharat’ aimed at acknowledging and celebrating the stories of women who have excelled and paved their journey to leave a mark.

On the second day, a panel discussion will be held with extraordinary women who have led the path of inspiration and empowerment for several other women. Through this discussion, the Commission aims to provide a platform with diverse and varied exchange of dialogue focusing around gender equality in decision-making and leadership roles of women belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds.

 

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SS/RKM

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