Prez extends wishes on International Women's Day

New Delhi, March 8: Extending greetings on the eve of International Women's Day, President

stressed on ensuring safety and security of women besides striving for a world based on gender equality and justice.

"On the occasion of the International Women's Day, I extend my warm greetings and felicitations to the women of India for their monumental role in shaping the destiny of the nation," said the President.

"Celebrations of this day on March 8 is an opportunity to dedicate ourselves to ensuring the safety and security of women. We must strive for a world based on gender equality and justice. Women must be given their due and treated with respect and dignity," he added in the statement.

Mukherjee had a word of appreciation for the Indian women who had shattered the many proverbial glass ceilings to reach the pinnacle of success.

"Women are always a source of inspiration for the family, society and the nation. In India, women have been in the forefront of every progressive movement making their mark in each and every walk of life and taking part in the forward march of the nation in a major way. It is our duty to empower the girl child with value based education so that the family, society and ultimately the nation is empowered," he said.

"I wish the women of India health, happiness, safety, success and continued progress as well as prosperity in the years ahead," the President said.

PTI