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Ambassador’s Remarks on International Women’s Day-2024

Posted on: March 08, 2024 | Back | Print

Ambassador’s Remarks on International Women’s Day-2024

Quaestor and Chairperson of India-Madagascar Friendship Group in the National Assembly of Madagascar Her Excellency Mrs. Lanto Rakotomanga,

Regional Director of Communication and Culture for Analamanga Region

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaste, Salama, Good Morning! Warm greetings and felicitations to all the women, on the eve of International Women’s Day-2024.

2. On this occasion, I recall India’s presidency of G-20 last year which was instrumental in shifting the global focus from “women’s development” to “women-led development”, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi. You might be aware that India, the world’s most populous country and its largest democracy, now has a woman as its Head of State. Her Excellency Mrs. Droupadi Murmu is the second woman to become the President of India and Commander-in-Chief of the world's second largest armed force. We also had a woman Head of Government Mrs. Indira Gandhi who served as the Prime Minister of India for more than 15 years and I am glad to note that one of the main streets in Antananarivo is named after her.

3. At present, more than 100 Members of Parliament, 11 Ministers of the Central Government, including the Finance Minister of India and 46% of the elected members of the local governance bodies in India are women. More than 15% of Unicorns in India have at least one woman as their founder. 43% of graduates in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), 80% of nurses, 25% space scientists and about 15% of the pilots in India are women. Indian women scientists Dr. Tessy Thomas and Dr. Ritu Karidhal have made significant contributions to the success of India’s missile and space research programs. 

4. I would like to conclude by affirming that the Government of India is committed to gender equality and women empowerment. I am confident that last year’s passing of “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” (Women Reservation Bill) by the Parliament of India, to reserve 33% seats in the Lower House of the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, will go a long way in improving the governance in India. It will also help to channel the collective power of 700 million Indian women to realize the dream of “Vikasit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, when India will be celebrating 100 years of its independence. Once again, I would like to extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the women, on the eve of the International Women’s Day-2024. Thank you!

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