By IANS
Chennai : President Pratibha Patil expressed concern at the rising incidents of crimes against woman all over the country, in her address at the 17th convocation of the Mother Teresa Women’s University here Friday.
“Women are victims of physical violence. Families are worried about their security not only when they go out, but also in the places they work. Legislative and administrative initiatives alone are not enough to empower women. We need a fundamental change in our mindset,” Patil said.
“Female foeticide is the worst kind of gender discrimination and it is prevalent not only amongst illiterate but also among the well-to-do sections of the society.”
” ‘Environment, education and equality’ are the three ‘E’ that would be very useful in achieving equality for women,” said the President after being conferred a honorary doctorate degree by the university.
It was Patil’s maiden visit to the city after she assumed office. The state Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan and Governor Surjit Singh Barnala received her at the airport and also participated in the function.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was conspicuous by his absence at the airport, when she arrived, and also at the function. NO official explanation was available for his absence.