Though India's ranking in the Global Gender Gap index of the United Nations has increased marginally under the present government, women's economic participation and opportunity need to be increased in the country, said Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. She was speaking at the Women's Day celebrations held under the auspices of the Centre for Women's Studies at the Central University of Kerala.

"According to new figures, the number of women working for adequate wages is very low. Most of the women are unemployed or underpaid," she said. "We have a tradition of equality and respect for women and there are many instances in which the importance and glory of women are upheld, including in epics. India has a tradition of respecting all forms of thought," she added. 

Vice Chancellor Prof. H. Venkateshwarlu inaugurated the event. All India Joint Organizing Secretary of ABRSM G. Laxman was the guest of honour. Registrar Dr. M. Muralidharan Nambiar offered his greetings. Prof. Aswati Nair, Sruthi K.V, Asna Sulthana and Anupama Suresh spoke. Dr. Supriya P welcomed and Prof. Swapna S Nair delivered the vote of thanks.

During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. H. Venkateshwarlu distributed prizes to the Women of the Year Awards and winners of various competitions in the teaching, non-teaching and student categories. Cultural activities by students were also held as part of the event.