Women's Day 2017: President Pranab Mukherjee extends his wishes on eve of occasion

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday conveyed his wishes on the occasion of International Women’s Day saying generations of Indian women have made an invaluable contribution to the development and progress of the country.

“On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to women in India and in all parts of the world,” he said in a message.

Mukherjee said that the government has introduced and implemented historic legislations and far sighted programmes for their empowerment and equal participation in nation building and referred to the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign.

All support should be given so that women realise their aspirations and “enjoy the safety, dignity and unfettered equality that is their sacred right,” he said.

‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ is an important initiative to prevent female foeticide and provide educational opportunities for female children in India, he said.

The President said that with their incomparable compassion, tolerance and hardwork, generations of Indian women have made an invaluable contribution to the development and progress of the country.

“On this day, I call upon the people of India to reaffirm their commitment to gender equality and the true empowerment of women.

“Let us rededicate our efforts to give them all the support they need to develop to their full potential, realize their aspirations and enjoy the safety, dignity and unfettered equality that is their sacred right,” he said.