New Delhi, Mar 8 (KNN) It is important for the country to focus on social, economic and political empowerment of women, Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu said while greeting on International Women’s Day.

Providing reservation in the Parliament and State Legislatures has to be accorded top priority for the country to achieve rapid progress and political empowerment, Naidu added.

“Many issues concerning women get highlighted today. But two things which I feel should receive renewed focus are gender equality and safety of women. We all have to act collectively to raise awareness against discrimination of the girl child”, Naidu said.

Naidu further highlighted the need to have gender sensitisation at different levels.

“Every household, neighborhood, school, institutions and community should start gender-sensitization. The mindset to respect girls and women should be promoted at home and in schools, public areas, public transport and at every place and every stage”, he said.

Acknowledging the strength of women, the Vice President said time and again women have proved that they are not only second to none in any field, but better than men in multi-tasking.  Women have made outstanding contributions in various fields in the country from building rockets to wielding a cricket bat. Be it politics, poetry, sports or business, women have excelled whenever they had an opportunity.

He further quoted Dr Ambedkar and said for any economy to be developed it is important to look at the process that women have achieved. (KNN/DA)