Bhopal: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that making women economically independent is an effective way of empowering them. To make India a developed country, maximum participation of women is needed, she said while addressing a Women's Self-Help Groups conference here.
“Economic self-reliance is an effective means of empowering women. Economic and social self-reliance complement each other. Self-Help Groups can contribute effectively to make women self-reliant," the president said. More than four lakh women's Self-Help Groups are active in Madhya Pradesh, she noted, adding that greater participation in such groups by women will strengthen the economy, society as well as the country. The idea of making women's Self-Help Groups a mass movement was commendable, the president added.
“To make India a self-reliant and developed nation, maximum participation of women is essential. We have to create an environment in which women feel free and fearless and can make full use of their potential,” Murmu said. The president also urged women to inspire and help each other, raise voice together for each other's rights, and move forward together on the path of progress.
"Women's Self-Help Groups are good platforms for bringing women together," the president said. Madhya Pradesh has a rich tradition of women leaders like Rani Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati and Ahilyabai Holkar, Mumu noted. The president also recalled former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who is from Madhya Pradesh, and her role in giving direction to our democracy.
Noted tribal artists Bhuri Bai and Durga Bai as well as Dr Leela Joshi of Ratlam who is "working like Mother Teresa" are from the state, and they can be role models for other women, she said. She named these three women, who are recipients of Padma Shri award, so that they inspire the women attending the program, she said. (PTI)
