Women are backbone of society, says CM Stalin

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday said that women are the backbone of society and that no country can progress without ensuring the advancement of women, who constitute half of the population.
Inaugurating the two-day World Women’s Summit at the Nandambakkam Trade Centre in Chennai, the Chief Minister said women must rise on par with men and occupy leadership positions across all fields.
He stressed that it was not enough for more women to enter the workforce, but that they must also attain equal status and decision-making roles. Recalling initiatives introduced by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, he referred to measures such as women’s property rights and their induction into the police force.
He said the present Dravidian model government had implemented several pioneering schemes for women’s welfare and empowerment.
Highlighting major initiatives, Stalin said the free bus travel scheme had improved women’s mobility and increased passenger numbers.
The Pudhumai Penn scheme had led to higher college enrolment among women, while hostels had been established in several places. He also pointed to a rise in women entrepreneurs in rural areas. He said 1.30 lakh women heads of households were being provided a monthly assistance of Rs. 1,000.
Measures to protect women’s health, including a cervical cancer vaccination programme, and safety initiatives such as the Kavalan assistance app were also highlighted.
The Chief Minister assured that the government would continue to provide a strong framework for women’s employment, progress and
safety.