Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 2 spoke about the importance of empowering women. In a video conference message, PM Modi addressed the ongoing three-day G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar.
“When women prosper, the world prospers. Their economic empowerment fuels growth. Their access to education drives global progress. Their leadership fosters inclusivity. And, their voices inspire positive change. The most effective way to empower women is through a women-led development approach,” the PM said, adding that the country was making new strides in this direction.
PM Modi lauds President Droupadi Murmu
He said President Droupadi Murmu, herself, sets an inspiring example in this regard. “Our President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu sets an inspiring example herself. She comes from a humble tribal background but now leads the world’s largest democracy, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the world’s second-largest defence force,” PM Modi said. He also spoke about how the Indian constitution granted the right to vote and contest polls equally to all citizens, including women.
“Elected women representatives have been key agents of economic, environmental and social change. At 1.4 million, 46 per cent of elected representatives in rural local bodies in India are women.”
PM Modi highlights importance of self-help groups
He stated further that the increasing number of women forming self-help groups is a powerful force for change. He apprised the participants how these women manufactured masks, and sanitisers, while raising general awareness about infection prevention during the pandemic. “During the pandemic, these Self-Help Groups and our elected women representatives emerged as pillars of support for our communities. They manufactured masks and sanitisers as well as raised awareness about spread of the pandemic. More than 80 per cent of nurses and midwives in India are women. They were our first line of defence during the pandemic. We are proud of their achievements.
The Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment under the G20 Indian Presidency, chaired by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, started in Gandhinagar on August 2 and will end on August 4. The G20 Ministerial Conference while focusing on women-led development will be an opportunity for accelerating achievement towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and achieving ‘SDG: Goal 5’.
The event is tipped to draw more than 150 delegates, led by their respective Heads of Delegation from G20 members, invitee countries, and international organisations.
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