Social awareness required fo justice for women : President

New Delhi, Nov 25: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said generation of social awareness and public education was very important for access to justice for women. Speaking while delivering the inaugural address at the National Conference on Access to Justice for Women here today, she said it must not be forgotten that during the Independence struggle women also participated as equal partners under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. ''Today, we need to follow the example of Mahatma Gandhi to mobilise the entire nation on issues related to development of women,'' she emphasised.

The President appreciated the role of NGOs in fighting against various social evils and practices and urged that their organisations can be further strengthened. A movement should be created with the spirit to develop society. The movement should also help in percolating the benefits of development, she said.

Ms Patil said the spirit of service was important for large scale mass awakening. Colleges and schools should impart education in such a way that it inspires the younger generation, so that the energy of the youth could be properly mobilised.

The President also stressed on the role of women in creating social awareness and hoped that women would come forward to launch a large-scale civil movement. They should come forward to enhance their status and fight against all inequalities and stand for not only promoting national causes but also international causes for the sake of global peace and prosperity.

UNI