Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed an event marked to celebrate International Women's Day in Gujarat's Kutch. The event was organised to recognise the contributions of women saints in our society.


During the virtual seminar, PM Modi said that the priority of the country today lies in the full participation of women in India's development journey, which is why we are stressing on reducing the problems faced by our women.






While listing out works done by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government for women, the Prime Minister said that his government has increased maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and also made strict laws for the safety of women in the workplace.


"There has also been a provision of death penalty for heinous crimes like rape. The government is also trying to raise the age of marriage of daughters to 21 years," PM Modi said.


Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Modi said that the government has made over 11 crore toilets across the country.


"Today, the country is promoting greater roles for daughters in the armed forces, admission of girls in Sainik Schools has started. You have a big role in 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'," PM said in his address.


To encourage girls, PM Modi said that the government is starting a new drive to celebrate girls' admission to schools.


Remembering the contribution of women in making an airstrip overnight in Bhuj during the 1971 war, PM Modi said that "Our airfield in Bhuj was destroyed by enemies. Then the women of Kutch made an airstrip overnight without caring about their lives, for the convenience of the Indian Army's fight. It's historic."


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"The power of most local products is in the hands of women. Therefore, you must encourage people to use local products in your awareness campaigns. Don't stick to Diwali oil lamps when I say local, use other products also," he said further.


"Looking at the condition worldwide, only a country that stands on its own can survive in this world. A country surviving with imports can do nothing. Therefore, 'Vocal for Local' has become a big topic related to economy, but it has a lot to do with women empowerment," the Prime Minister added.


Earlier in the day, PM Modi said it was a matter of pride that a large country like India has a woman Finance Minister who has presented a progressive Budget this year for Asia's third-largest economy.


He also said that his government will keep focusing on women's empowerment through its various schemes with emphasis on dignity as well as opportunity.