New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that "India is emerging as the torchbearer of gender justice in the world" as she stressed that "the world will be a lot better place if women are made equal stakeholders in the progress of humanity." She urged citizens to commit to making one change in their family, neighbourhood, or workplace that would improve a girl's chances of moving ahead in life.
In a statement titled 'Her Story, My Story: Why I am hopeful about gender justice', the President expressed her views on the status of women in society on the occasion of International Women's Day.
"On one hand, a girl child receives so much love from all around her and is even worshipped on auspicious days. On the other hand, she learns very soon that the possibilities open before her in life are fewer than those available to boys of her age," she pointed out.
She further mentioned that in the 21st century, while there has been all-round progress, "many nations are yet to have a woman as the head of the state or head of the
government." "At the other end of the spectrum, unfortunately, there are places in the world where even today women are considered lesser human beings; where even going to school can be a question of life and death for a girl!"
She stated that in India, women were decision-makers as depicted by scriptures and history which talk of women known for their valour, scholarship, or administrative skills. In today's time, women are contributing to nation-building in their chosen fields. However, while there is a healthy representation of women at the grassroots level in various decision-making structures, "as we go up in the hierarchy, we see fewer and fewer women."
"This is as true for political bodies as for the bureaucracy, the judiciary, and the corporate world. What is noticeable is that even the states with higher literacy rates display the same trend. It shows that education alone does not guarantee financial and political autonomy for women."
The President stressed the need for changing social mindset, identifying and purging "deeply ingrained" gender prejudices. While conscious efforts have been
made to promote social justice and equality, she mentioned social conditioning than any design is responsible for women lag far behind men in education and
jobs.
Calling for women to be made equal stakeholders in the progress of humanity, she expressed hope that the future is bright.
"The story of women’s emancipation has proceeded slowly, often painfully slowly, but it has proceeded only in one direction and has never made a U-turn. That is what gives me confidence to believe, as I have often stated, that the coming Amrit Kaal up to the centenary of India’s independence belongs to young women," President Murmu said.
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She highlighted the "indomitable spirit" of Indian women and the society that gave her confidence to believe that India is emerging as the torchbearer of gender justice in the world."
"We as a nation began with a sound foundation of gender justice. About a century ago Mahatma Gandhi’s campaigns during the freedom struggle encouraged women to cross the threshold and step out into the world. From those days, our society as a whole and women in particular have aspired to build a better future. Prejudices and customs not favourable to women are being done away with either through legislation or through awareness."
"This seemed to have positive impact as Parliament today has the highest number of women representation. Needless to say, my election as the President of the world’s largest democracy is a part of the saga of women’s empowerment."
She mentioned government programmes such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ as steps in the right direction to directly empower women.
The President urged citizens to commit to making one change, in their family, neighbourhood, or workplace – "any change that would bring a smile on a girl’s face, any change that would improve her chances of moving ahead in life."