New Delhi: The nation celebrated the 100th International Women's Day on Monday. President Pratibha Patil conferred the Stree Shakti Awards at a function here. The 'Stree Shakti Puraskars' are given to women for their outstanding and
exceptional work in field of women empowerment. The Rajasthan Government has
decided to allow women to travel free in all categories of State Roadways buses
today. In a bid to encourage women to join the police force, the Mumbai Police will
elevate a woman police inspector to the rank of senior inspector and make her the
head of a police station. The city police will also announce the selection of 10 women
constables as drivers. President Patil and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar have
stressed on the need for women empowerment for the progress of the country. In
her message, President Patil said: "Every year, we celebrate International Women's
Day to recognize the dedication and achievements of women. This year is even more
special, as this is the 100th year of its observation." "Indian women as part
of this epoch making movement have played an exemplary role and will continue
to be a major determinant of our future progress and inclusive growth," she added.
Kumar, in her message, called for a change in the mindset of society towards women.
