New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu said a woman is truly empowered when she can make independent decisions, live with self-respect, and access equal opportunities and security, as she addressed the ‘Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi’ event organised by the Government of NCT Delhi in the national capital today.
Highlighting the growing role of women across sectors, the President said women are excelling in defence, science, sports, politics, administration, social service, and business. She noted that the rising number of girls receiving degrees and medals at convocations across the country is an encouraging sign of progress, according to a release by the President’s Secretariat.
At the same time, she pointed out that women continue to face challenges such as violence, economic inequality, social stereotypes, and neglect of health concerns. She said these obstacles must be removed to achieve the true goal of women’s empowerment. “An empowered woman can change not only her own life but also the direction of society and future generations,” she said.
President Murmu outlined several initiatives of the Government of India aimed at strengthening women’s social and economic position. She said the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana promotes girls’ education and safety, while the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana protects the health of women by freeing them from smoke-filled kitchens. The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, she noted, provides access to loans for self-employment, and initiatives such as Lakhpati Didi Yojana are helping women become self-reliant. She also referred to the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana as playing a vital role in improving women’s health.
However, the President stressed that women’s empowerment is not solely the responsibility of the government. She said every member of society and every institution has a role to play in educating women, building their self-confidence, and offering support and encouragement. Women must be assured that they can dream and fulfil those dreams, she added.
Referring to Delhi’s unique position as the national capital, President Murmu said the city represents people from across the country and therefore carries special responsibility. If women in Delhi are safe, educated, self-reliant, and able to lead confidently in all spheres, it would send a strong positive message nationwide.
She called for creating an enabling environment in which women can take independent decisions without fear or pressure. Such conditions, she said, are essential for women to contribute fully to the vision of a prosperous Delhi and a developed India.
