TURA, Meghalaya, Jan 17 (The CONNECT) – President Droupadi Murmu has said that it is a long way to go for women empowerment in India.
Interacting with with the members of Self Help Groups at Baljek Airport, Tura, Meghalaya, Murmu said yesterday that the idea of women-led-development can be implemented only when the women get the freedom to make their choices. With economic independence, this has become a reality to some extent. Economic self-reliance brings a greater self-confidence in women.
The Government has taken several steps to improve women’s participation in the work-force. The Government has not only taken several steps for the social and economic development of women, but has also taken major steps towards ensuring their political participation, she said.
There is still, however, a long way to go in the direction of women empowerment, she said and urged people to start recognizing the value and qualities of the women around them and support them.
The President urged the members of SHGs to keep moving ahead and also hold the hands of other women to take them forward. She said that this is not their journey alone but that of a large number of women in our country who are yet to explore the opportunities that lay beyond the four walls of their homes. They must become an inspiration for other women of their region and the nation.
Presidemt Murmu inspecting the guard of honour at Shillong.
Murmu said that the empowerment of women in social, economic, political and spiritual spheres is essential for the country to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. She underlined that India’s women are making a mark and paving way for other women in every field whether it is defence, science and technology, sports, education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, or any other field. They just need some words and small actions of encouragement, a pat on the back.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, the self-help groups in Meghalaya, have in increased multi-fold from less than 4,600 to nearly 45,000 in just six years. Today, almost one woman from every rural household is a part of one SHG or the other. “Our government does not believe in scheme-based development. We believe in stakeholder-based approach, a purpose driven approach, for the youth, women and Farmers of Meghalaya”. Sangma said.
President Murmu went down the dais and talked to several women in person, listened to their stories and visited the stalls and gave them suggestions for growth.
She participated in the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund amounting to Rs 25 crores and loans worth Rs 32 crores.
