PM salutes courage of women on International Women's Day

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted women on Sunday on the occasion of International Women's Day.

"On International Women's Day, I salute the indomitable courage and stellar achievements of women," he said in a statement.

"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," he added.

He said that the government is setting up one-stop centres that would provide assistance, legal advice and psychological counselling to women who face violence or abuse.

The government would also start a mobile helpline (181) to enable women to gain access to counselling and referral services, said Modi.

"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," the prime minister said.

Citing that "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana" seeks to usher in a paradigm shift in attitudes towards the girl child and place emphasis on educating the girl child, he added that the "Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana" would provide support for marriage and education of young women.

He said that MUDRA Bank would help thousands of women achieve financial independence.

Referring to broadbased social security schemes such as the "Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana", "Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana" and the "Atal Pension Yojana", which were presented in the union budget, he said these would immensely benefit women.

"I seek the support of one and all in transforming our vision into reality," he said.

International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.