Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that his government has prioritised women's security over the past decade, introducing stringent laws, including capital punishment for heinous crimes like rape. Addressing a gathering at Vansi Borsi village in Gujarat’s Navsari district on International Women’s Day, Modi said India is progressing on the path of women-led development.
Modi emphasised the need for equal societal expectations for men and women, saying, “When a girl returns home late, parents question her, but they don’t do the same when a boy comes home late. They should.”
Highlighting his government’s efforts, he said, “In the past decade, we have given women's safety and security the highest priority. To curb crimes against women, we have amended laws to allow capital punishment for heinous crimes like rape.”
He also said the government has worked to improve women's dignity and welfare. “We built thousands of toilets, ensuring dignity for women, and enacted strict laws against triple talaq, saving lakhs of Muslim women from injustice,” Modi added.
PM interacts with Lakhpati Didis, launches rural livelihood schemes in Gujarat
During the event, Modi interacted with Lakhpati Didis, women from self-help groups (SHGs) earning an annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh. He felicitated five Lakhpati Didis and launched two state government initiatives: G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income).
The G-MAITRI scheme will provide financial aid and support to startups fostering rural livelihoods, while G-SAFAL will extend financial assistance and entrepreneurial training to SHG women from Antyodaya families in two aspirational districts and 13 aspirational blocks of Gujarat.
‘Women are the soul of rural India’
The prime minister stressed the importance of empowering women, particularly in rural areas. “Mahatma Gandhi used to say that the country’s soul lies in its villages. I would add that women are the soul of rural India, and its empowerment depends on them,” he said.
Citing success stories, Modi said brands like Amul and Lijjat Papad are examples of thriving women-led businesses.
‘I am the richest person in the world’
At the outset of his speech, Modi said he considered himself the "richest person in the world" because of the blessings of crores of women. “I know my statement will be trolled, but I will repeat it—I am the richest person because I have the blessings of crores of mothers, sisters, and daughters. These blessings keep increasing, and that is my true wealth,” he said.
Tribute to Nari Shakti
On International Women’s Day, Modi paid tribute to Nari Shakti, acknowledging their strength and contributions. In a post on X, he announced that his social media platforms would be taken over by women achievers.
"We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our government has always worked to empower women, as reflected in our schemes and programmes. Today, as promised, my social media properties will be taken over by women who are making a mark in diverse fields," he wrote.