ANS: President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that women’s empowerment is not merely a charitable endeavor, but a crucial roadmap to a country’s progress.
She highlighted that without empowering women, no nation can achieve economic development and prosperity for all its citizens. President Murmu shared these views in a national magazine on the occasion of International Women’s Day, reflecting on significant milestones such as the sortie on the Sukhoi fighter aircraft and the signing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which proposes 33 percent reservation for women in all legislative bodies.
She praised the country’s progress toward gender justice and equality, noting the confidence with which Indian women are advancing. President Murmu commended women leaders in fields such as science, the military, sports, education, startups, and politics.
Regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, President Murmu expressed confidence that it will significantly contribute to India’s development by the time the country celebrates its centenary of independence.
President Murmu also expressed concern about historical gender prejudice, citing language bias as an example. She recalled activist Hansaben Mehta’s efforts to change the constitutional language as a member of the Constituent Assembly.
Calling for efforts to reduce obstacles faced by women, President Murmu highlighted women’s significant role in India’s freedom struggle. She noted that during the first elections, there was no gender discrimination in terms of voting or contesting, which set India apart from other democracies.
President Murmu concluded by emphasizing the need to celebrate every day as Women’s Day, embodying the spirit of “yes, we can and we will.”