Navsari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasised his government’s commitment to women’s safety, pointing to the introduction of capital punishment for heinous crimes like rape as a significant milestone in the past decade.
Addressing a large gathering at Vansi Borsi village in Navsari district on International Women’s Day, Modi reiterated the importance of ensuring dignity and security for women in India.
“In the past ten years, we have prioritised women’s safety above all. To curb crimes against women, we amended laws and introduced the death penalty for heinous crimes such as rape,” he said.
Modi added that his government gives the highest importance to the ‘samman’ (honour) and ‘suvidha’ (facilities) of women, making their safety and dignity key tenets of governance.
Calling for a societal shift, the prime minister urged families to question the behaviour of their sons just as they do with daughters, emphasising the need to address societal biases that perpetuate inequality.
He also highlighted the role of rural women in the nation’s progress, stating that empowering them was central to India’s development.
ALSO READ: Khasi women and the hidden power struggles in Meghalaya’s matrilineal society
Modi pointed to various initiatives such as the construction of thousands of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, which enhanced women’s dignity, and the enactment of stringent laws against triple talaq, which he said had saved the lives of countless Muslim women.
He also praised women-led ventures like Amul and Lijjat Papad, describing them as symbols of female entrepreneurship and success.
Concluding his speech on a personal note, Modi said he considered himself the world’s richest person because he has the blessings of millions of mothers and sisters across the nation.
As India moves forward, he reaffirmed his government’s dedication to ensuring women’s safety and empowerment as central to building a prosperous and inclusive society.
