Meet these First Ladies whom the nation bows for their exceptional work
New Delhi, January 21: Women were considered as a weaker section of our society, to break this taboo these 112 women proved that a lady also can match with man’s shoulders. These ladies have set a milestone in their respective fields like the first female Merchant Navy Captain, first train driver of a passenger train, first female firefighter, first female bus driver, first Indian woman to reach Antarctica among others. The felicitation of ‘FIRST LADIES’ for their exceptional work sets an example of women empowerment.
The Minister of Women and Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi felicitated 112 exceptional women achievers on Saturday. The Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel were also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the First Ladies, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said that the First Ladies are a unique group of women who are the first in their respective fields of achievement and each one deserved to be recognized. “Your achievement will inspire other women to break the glass ceiling and do the women of India proud", she said.
Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal congratulated the First Ladies and hoped that their number will grow bigger and bigger. The Minister said that women in India face a number of challenges, and achieving the distinction of being a first in any field would have been truly challenging for most women. “You have shown and proved that it can be done and it will happen," Harsimrat Kaur said.
Minister Anupriya Patel appreciated the WCD Ministry for its unique initiative "First Ladies". The initiative is in the spirit of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme and the women achievers will act as a role model and inspiration for women across the country. "You have started a journey which will take India forward", the Minister exhorted.
A coffee table book showcasing the achievements of these ladies was also released on the occasion. These first ladies busted stereotypes and broke the glass ceiling to become the Number One.
On March 8th, the WCD Ministry honors with Nari Shakti Puruskars, those women who have contributed to society but have remained unsung. The Nari Shakti Puraskars are conferred by the President. Along with these Puruskars, the Ministry has started a new system of recognizing in different ways, those women who have broken the glass ceiling and ventured into unusual fields. The Ministry had collaborated with Facebook in 2015 to recognize '100 Women Achievers' who have excelled in diverse sectors of public work. These women were hosted by His Excellency, the President. 'First Ladies' is the second leg of the ‘100 Women Achievers’ campaign of the Ministry.