Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari has asked people to collectively re-dedicate themselves towards making the cherished goal of women empowerment with positive esteem a living reality. He said they must be assured of their Constitutional rights for sustainable development of the country and the world. <br/><br/>Making a reference in the House on the occasion of International Women's Day today, he said India has, from time immemorial, honoured, respected and celebrated women and acknowledged their status as equal partners as well as their invaluable contribution to societal development. <br/><br/>Mr Ansari, however, said it is unfortunate that over the years people seem to have misplaced country's rich tradition and legacy. He said it is evident from the increasing and disturbing cases of violence and crime against women and girls in the forms of female infanticide, foeticide, honour killing, domestic violence, demand for dowry and molestation. The Chairman regretted that the marginalization of women and discrimination against them is still manifest in the lack of freedom to pursue the career of their own choices, lack of equal social status, financial independence etc.