“Empowerment of women must be regarded as not only an element of our efforts towards gender equality but also a critical step for stimulating their full participation in nation-building.
“We as a society must work towards changing negative perceptions about women. Women should be provided a safe, secure and congenial environment in which their talents can flower and they can contribute their full share in the building of our nation,” Mukherjee said in a release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On this International Women's Day, let us resolve to redouble our efforts for the protection and welfare of women.
“May the celebrations inculcate in every member of our society the highest respect for women,” he said.