Today, on the International Women s Day, through this August House, I want to congratulate the women of India, and that of the world for their persistent and constructive commitment to achieve equality in all spheres of society. Despite existing policies, women are still socially disadvantaged section of our society. There is a growing trend of crime against women. Domestic violence is the most prevalent form of discrimination against women. They are the worst sufferers of the terrorism and civic strife.
Illiteracy is still high among women, more so among the rural women.
They are not able to take full advantage of the new economic opportunities. A large section of women still live in the darkness of ignorance. They face significant drawback on account of health and malnutrition. It is the duty before all of us to focus on these issues. Political empowerment of women by providing them reservation in the panchayati raj institution has created a large pool of women, who have the experience in the functioning of democratic institution.