New Delhi: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Saturday emphasised the need for equal participation of women in all spheres of life, stating that true development can only be achieved when women—who constitute nearly half of the country’s population—are given equal opportunities and support.
The President was addressing two separate events in New Delhi on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She first addressed the National Convention of Women Thought Leaders organised by Bharatiya Vidvat Parishat in association with Rashtra Sevika Samiti–Sharanya, and later spoke at the national-level International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The convention was organised under the theme ‘Bhāratī – Nārī to Nārāyanī’, highlighting the role of women in shaping society and nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Murmu said that women have played a vital role in India’s cultural and historical legacy—from the intellectual contributions of Brahmavadini women in the Vedic period to the bravery and leadership of figures such as Rani Durgavati, Veermata Jijabai, Rani Chennamma, Rani Lakshmibai, Jhalkaribai and Ahilyabai Holkar.
She said these ideals continue to inspire society, particularly women, and urged people to adopt their values in contemporary life.
The President noted that women are equal to or even superior to men in many dimensions, including service, dedication, patience, bravery and talent. She pointed out that in many convocation ceremonies across higher educational institutions, female students often receive more medals for academic excellence than their male counterparts.
However, she acknowledged that many women still face social stereotypes, economic inequality and psychological barriers. Addressing such challenges, she said, requires collective efforts rooted in sensitivity and awareness.
Murmu appreciated the work of organisations like the Rashtriya Sevika Samiti and its initiative “Sharanya,” which focuses on education, skill development, self-reliance and leadership among women from disadvantaged communities.
Referring to India’s cultural philosophy, the President said that the inseparable relationship between Shiva and Shakti symbolises the need for harmony between men and women in society.
“The chariot of human progress can move forward only when both its wheels—men and women—are equal and in harmony,” she said.
Later, addressing the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Murmu said women today are playing leading roles in diverse fields including education, administration, judiciary, armed forces, science, technology, arts, entrepreneurship and sports.
She highlighted the growing role of women in rural development through Self-Help Groups and their increasing leadership in startups, corporate sectors and governance institutions.
The President said India is steadily progressing toward the vision of women-led development. Over the past decade, she said, several initiatives have helped remove barriers in the path of women’s advancement.
She noted that India has achieved gender parity in school education and that female enrolment in higher education has also increased significantly. Women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is also rising rapidly.
Murmu said the Union Budget 2026–27 proposes the establishment of women’s hostels in every district to support female students pursuing STEM education.
She also highlighted the increasing role of women entrepreneurs, noting that more than half of the startups supported under the Start-up India initiative have at least one female director, while over two lakh women-owned MSMEs are currently active on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
The newly announced SHE-Mart initiative in the Union Budget 2026–27, she said, aims to provide improved market access for products made by self-help groups and rural women.
Despite these achievements, the President acknowledged that challenges such as discrimination, unequal pay and domestic violence continue to affect many women.
“These problems cannot be solved only through legislation. A change in societal mindset is equally important,” she said.
Murmu stressed that India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 can only be achieved if women are encouraged to dream big and are supported at every stage of their journey.
She urged citizens to pledge to ensure education and equal opportunities for every girl child, prioritise the dignity and safety of women and work collectively to eliminate all forms of discrimination in society.
