What President Murmu said to members of SHGs at Tura airport

Shillong: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu during an interaction with members of self-help groups at Baljek airport in Tura said that "economic self-reliance brings a greater self-confidence in women."

"The empowerment of women in social, economic, political, and spiritual spheres is essential for the country to realize its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047", Murmu said addressing a gathering in the Meghalaya town.

Murmu underlined that India’s women are making a mark in every field whether it is defence, science and technology, sports, education, entrepreneurship, or agriculture. "They just need some words and small actions of encouragement, a pat on the back", opined Murmu, who is the first female President from a tribal background.

The President said that the idea of women-led development can be implemented only when women get the freedom to make their own choices. "With economic independence, this has become a reality to some extent", the President observed.

The government of India is making every possible effort to ensure that women contribute actively and in large numbers to the socio-economic development of the country, said Murmu.

"Several steps have been taken to improve women's participation in the workforce. The government has not only taken several steps for the social and economic development of women but has also taken major steps towards ensuring their political participation", said Murmu. Last year, the Parliament cleared a bill for 33% reservation to women lawmakers in the lower house and state assemblies.

However, there is still a long way to go in the direction of women's empowerment, Murmu said. She asked people to start recognizing the values and qualities of the women around them and support them.

The President urged the members of SHGs to keep moving ahead and also hold the hands of other women to take them forward. This is not their journey alone but that of a large number of women in our country who are yet to explore the opportunities that lay beyond the four walls of their homes, said President Murmu.

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