Chennai, March 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, extended his warm wishes to women throughout the state as International Women's Day approaches, set for Sunday. He reiterated the DMK administration's dedication to enhancing women's rights, welfare, and economic empowerment.

In his address, the Chief Minister acknowledged the remarkable resilience, strength, and contributions of women across various sectors, asserting that their advancement is essential for societal progress.

Stalin emphasized the long-standing advocacy of the Dravidian movement for gender equality and social justice.

He honored social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy for his significant influence in confronting patriarchal norms, referencing his renowned work, "Pen Yen Adimaiaanaal?" (Why did women become slaves?).

According to Stalin, Periyar's philosophies sparked a wider social consciousness regarding women’s rights and dignity.

He also paid homage to former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for advancing these reformative principles through progressive laws.

Stalin noted that under Karunanidhi's leadership, legislation was passed to provide women with equal property rights and ensure job reservations for women in government roles—measures that greatly enhanced women's access to economic and social opportunities.

He remarked that the current DMK-led government upholds these principles through its "Dravidian Model" of governance, promoting inclusive growth and social equity.

Empowering women through education, job creation, and financial security remains a top priority for his administration.

Stalin enumerated various welfare programs introduced by the DMK government aimed at improving the lives of women in Tamil Nadu.

These initiatives include the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam program offering free bus travel for women, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT) providing financial support to women-led households, and the Pudhumai Penn scheme encouraging girls to pursue education.

Additional initiatives highlighted by the Chief Minister include the establishment of Thozhi hostels for working women, reduced registration fees for properties under women’s names, a free HPV vaccination program for girls under 14, the Nannilam land ownership scheme for Adi Dravidar and tribal women, and the appointment of women Odhuvars in temples.

Looking forward, the Chief Minister asserted that women will remain central to Tamil Nadu's developmental strategy.

He expressed confidence that their involvement and leadership are vital to the state’s economic future and the broader vision of sustainable growth and social advancement.

Reiterating the state government's commitment, Chief Minister Stalin affirmed that additional programs aimed at enhancing women's economic security and opportunities will be rolled out.

He stressed that the advancement of women is integral to the progress of Tamil Nadu, and empowering them will remain a pivotal focus for the government in the coming years.