The President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar today stressed the need for empowerment of women for progress of the country.<br/><br/>Greeting the nation on the eve of International Women's Day, Mrs Patil said, Indian women have played an exemplary role and will continue to be a major determinant of the future progress and inclusive growth. She said, this year is even more special as this is the 100th year of the observation of the International Women's Day. Mrs Kumar in her message called on for a change in the mindset of society towards women.