Shekhawat becomes woman on International Women's Day

New Delhi, Mar 8 (UNI) Enthused by the celebratory mood of women on International Women's Day, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today turned into a woman to enjoy the occasion.

Asked about his message to the women of the country, Mr Shekhawat told UNI, ''What more message I can give when I myself turned into a woman to enjoy the day.'' Actually, Mr Shekhawat was referring to the incident when while releasing the commemorative postal stamps and first day covers highlighting the theme of 'Survival to success: Celebrate her life' at a function here, Secretary, Women and Child Development Deepa Jain Singh respectfully addressed him Bhairon Singh Shekhawatji.

''Somebody has added ji to my name here and in Rajasthan if ji is added to a name, the gender changes. So today I have become a woman and address you as a fellow woman,'' Mr Shekhawat said while addressing a gathering largely of women, including Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhury.

True to this sentiment, the Vice President made a passionate appeal for summoning the society's moral reserves, its sensitivities and compassion to define the quality of treatment to women. He said only through purposeful, wide ranging and determined action on multiple fronts, the country could succeed in empowering the women.

Though women have made their mark in almost all areas such as education, research, politics, media, art and culture, service sector and business, the core issues regarding them has remained largely unchanged, Mr Shekhawat pointed out. He enumerated issues like female foeticide, continued discriminaton against girl child regarding food, clothing, education and opportunities.

Citing the incidents of harassment of women, gender discrimination and brutality perpetrated due to inherent prejudices, Mr Shekhawat called for changing attitude and mindset of people by recognizing the innate strength and power of women.

''We need to create an enabling condition where woman has an opportunity to be herself, to realize her full potential,'' he emphasised so that women be the change leaders of the 21st century.

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