International Conference On Womens Literacy

The President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on 8^th september called for making consistent efforts to push women's education as it is a force multiplier in achieving socio-economic development.

Inaugurating an international conference on Women's Literacy in New Delhi , she said that literate women will be self-reliant and beneficial impact on society will be manifold. The President said the country has seen several success stories of women moving out of poverty as a result of literacy movements. 

She felt that an approach to Women's literacy that is both holistic and relevant for development can bring greater benefits, especially if it is linked to learning of other skills which are necessary for human and socio-economic development.

Referring to the latest census which has projected India's total literacy at 74 per cent, she observed that the country is on the right track in achieving cent percent literacy.

The conference coincided with the International Literacy Day. It was organised jointly by the HRD Ministry and UNESCO.

The President, on the occasion, gave away UNESCO King Sejong and UNESCO Confucius prizes for literacy. She also presented the Saakshar Bharat literacy awards.