Prez for making women educationally stronger

Bhopal, Jun 29 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today stressed need to make women educationally, socially and economically stronger and called for effective implementation of women empowerment-related government policies and schemes.

''Women have to face several challenges in life. Some special challenges are domestic violence, sexual harassment at workplace, social repression, discrimination in education and employment,'' she said at the inauguration of the Madhya Pradesh government's Usha Kiran Yojana here this evening.

Besides discovering ways to tackle these challenges, all social segments, social organisations, media and the government should work unitedly to stamp out violence and discrimination against women, the President said adding voluntary organisations and people should simultaneously help the government.

''The Government has taken noteworthy steps for women's empowerment. Women have been given 33 per cent reservation in local bodies. The step will definitely assist in altering women's social status but a lot remains to be done in this matter,'' she added.

Stressing the need for women's empowerment, Ms Patil said a new social welfare movement was imperative -- a movement that would change society's viewpoint towards women.

''An educated mother makes her children aware citizens and educated women can muster courage for stamping out social ills.

Economic self-reliance of women will lead to their living with respect and dignity besides contributing to nation-building,'' she added.

Referring to her recent foreign visit, the President said, ''I discussed women's empowerment with Chile's President Michelle Bachelet. She comprehended the importance of women's contribution at every level of the country's development and stressed on the need for global women's empowerment.'' More UNI Team-AC LPB RK1925