India, Oct. 15 -- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had once said, "You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women". 15th October was celebrated as International day of Rural women. The crucial role that women and girls play in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall wellbeing, has been increasingly recognized. Women account for a substantial proportion of the agricultural labour force, including informal work, and perform the bulk of unpaid care and domestic work within families and households in rural areas.

Women used to command acute power and importance in our ancient culture. The proof of this fact can be found in all the scriptures and even our my...