Need to increase women representation as legislators: President Mukherjee

New Delhi: Stating that there is a need to increase the representation of women as legislators, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that political parties must be committed to increase the number of women legislators in Parliament as well as State Assemblies.

Addressing a two-day National Conference on Women Legislators here, the President said that empowerment of women in the country couldn't be completely ensured until their participation is increased in every field.

The President added that the global community has to rededicate themselves for women empowerment.

He also complimented Prime Minister Modi for the initiative 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and his firm commitment towards the true empowerment of women.

Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari stressed on political equality between women and men legislators. He said women candidates have performed well in local bodies despite several challenges.

Addressing the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the aim of the conference is to tell women legislators how more efficiently they can contribute in nation building. The conference was attended by 300 women MLAs, MLCs, MPs, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers.

The conference will equip the women legislators from across India with latest knowledge in relevant areas and provide them with the right perspective, motivation and guidance in their roles as legislators and powerful agents of socio-economic progress and change as well as good governance.