Women empowerment requires special attention, says President Patil

New Delhi, Mar 7 (ANI): In a bid to emphasize women empowerment, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Wednesday said there is a need to change the mindset of people and understand the sensibilities of women.

Addressing a gathering here today, President Patil said women empowerment at the grass root level would bring the desired social economic change in the country.

"Women empowerment is the main aim towards which men and women have worked hard and they have to continue working together because their role in society is not against each other but is complementary. This is important to understand for the people of the society," she said.

Stating the importance of education, President Patil said women literacy is a crucial element to development and would eradicate all the social evils prevalent in the society.

"We have to contemplate whether we want better future for tomorrow. The perception in society is that girls are considered as monetary burden while boys contribute financially. This perception of considering the girl child as a burden is damaging. The girls also possess same capabilities as boys and can equally contribute to the society," said President Patil.

"The next generation should be free from all the past bias against the girl child. Therefore, we will help in promoting this cause through school books, which will help in eliminating this social evil," she added.

President Patil reiterated that the government has initiated several schemes and adopted new initiatives for the development, welfare and empowerment of women. (ANI)