India celebrates International Women's Day

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Women

08 Mar 2015, 01:20 pm Print

New Delhi, Mar 8 (JEN): Amid a steep rise in concern over crimes against women including the danger of sexual assault, physical abuse, rape, molestation, domestic violence and gender bias attitudes, India dedicated Sunday to women as the world celebrates the International Women's Day to convey respect, love and appreciation towards every woman.

While, gender bias even date poses a threat to India, this day attempts to remind the world of the significance of women across all walks of lives.

Started as a socialist political event for the first time in 1909, the day blended in the culture of many countries, primarily in Europe, including Russia. In some regions, the day lost its political flavour and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way.

International Women's Day is now celebrated on Mar 8 every year and pays tribute to all forms of womanhood.

The UN theme for International Women's Day 2015 is 'Make It Happen'.

"Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women," UN said in a statement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings to all women citizens.

In his message, the PM said: "On International Women’s Day, I salute the indomitable courage and stellar achievements of women."

"Today, we renew our pledge to make women an equal and integral part of our development journey. My Government has initiated several measures aimed at bringing about a positive change in the lives of women. That is central to our vision of India's progress and a life of dignity and opportunity for all our citizens."

"The ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ Yojana seeks to usher in a paradigm shift in attitudes towards the girl child and places emphasis on educating the girl child. The Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana will provide support for marriage and education of young women. MUDRA Bank will help thousands of women achieve financial independence."

"The Union Budget which has been presented recently, unveils broadbased social security schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana. These will benefit women in a big way."

"Our heads hang in shame when we hear of instances of crime against women. We must walk shoulder-to-shoulder to end all forms of discrimination or injustice against women. The Government is setting up One-Stop-Centres that will provide assistance, legal advice and psychological counselling to women who face violence or abuse. The Government is also commencing a mobile helpline to enable women to dial 181 for access to counselling and referral services," said he.

While people celebrates this day with fervour in urban areas and females in such parts do get respect for their achievements, the story is completely opposite in the rural parts of the country.

The rural areas still witness their women struggling hard for their existence. Even the women here are denied of their basic rights.

In India, many voices have been raised on the day as to whether it was correct for the government to ban the documentary on December 2012 gang rape victim, Nirbahaya.

Many felt that the documentary titled, 'India's Daughter' should have been made accessible to watch for the Indian citizens.

Meanwhile, popular search engine, Google celebrated the day by honouring the efforts of women in different field by highlighting their achievements.

The doodle features a doctor, painter, lawmaker and a scientist among others. Women can also be seen painting, playing a guitar and teaching students in the logo.

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