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"Women should fight for their rights"

Staff Reporter

International Women's Day celebrations in the Capital

NEW DELHI: "Women are not here to break families but to fight for their rights and equality" was the message sent across by women from across the spectrum during the International Women's Day celebrations here on Thursday.

"Women should recognise the rights granted to them by the Constitution and fight for it," said the Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury at a colourful function organised by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) at the ethnic hub of the Capital -- Dilli Haat.

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said it was the duty of all men to thank and give respect to women who do more than half the work of the world.

Prime Minister's wife Gursharan Kaur gave away the bravery award to Susheela Kajala of Narela. Ms Kajala not only fought dowry harassment by in-laws but after winning Rs 19 lakh and a 600 square yard plot of land went on to start an NGO to help women fight for their rights.

Drawing attention to the rising instances of female foeticide, Ms Kaur said women should stop being their own enemies and allow the girl child to be born.

Bollywood actress and Godfrey Philips bravery ambassador Preity Zinta added a dash of glamour to the event.

DCW Chairperson Kiran Walia drew attention to the increasing instances of victims turning hostile in cases pertaining to domestic harassment and rape. "Witnesses turn hostile primarily due to pressure from society and it is important to treat it as a social problem," said Ms Walia.

As part of the two-week-long celebration, hand made products made by home-based women workers of self help groups associated with the DCW will be put on display. The DCW has booked 50 stalls to give these women a marketing platform to make their goods visible in the market.

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