Women empowerment need of the hour: President

President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday said that women empowerment is of utmost importance if we want women’s progress. She was speaking at the inaugural function of Ranaraginincha Desh,a golden jubilee celebration of Ahilyarani Mahila Vikas and Shaikshanik Sanstha at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch,here. Also present were former High Court judge Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar among others. State law minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also attended the function on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

“Creating the environment which imparts equal status to women in family,society and country is the sole motive behind various facets of programmes being run for women empowerment. We have to work towards making them able to take their own decisions,” she said. During her speech,the President touched upon a number of topics related to women empowerment. “Sex determination is a cruel exercise and the way we have to protect trees in order to save environment,protection of female child is important to save human race.”

Patil took an overview of the freedom struggle and elaborated on the contribution of women in India’s independence movement. “Can’t we create a movement on the lines of the independence movement to address contemporary issues,” she asked. Stressing on the importance of education,the President said,“Education is the first tool of empowerment. Right to Education,Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan have ensured that education is available to children between the age group of six and 14. Be it a boy or girl,every child must get education. It’s only women education that can challenge the traditions such as child marriage,dowry,social injustice and other sorts of discrimination. It is these educated women who can in turn educate other women and teach them independence and self confidence.”