Amid rising cases of crime against women, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said “our heads hang in shame” due to recurring incidents of rapes and other violence against women.

Flagging concerns about female foeticide and crime against women, Gandhi exhorted women not to bow down to difficulties in future and face them with courage as the country needs them in responsible positions.

Her remarks came as the country celebrates International Women’s Day today.

“Such incidents (rapes and crime against women) are happening all over the country. Our heads hang in shame because of these rapes and crimes against women,” Gandhi said at the dedication of a Women’s Medical College and Convocation ceremony of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila University here.

Noting that the Congress-led UPA Government has taken several steps to protect women and empower them socially and economically, she said a Bill would soon be passed to tackle crime against women.

She spoke about the Government’s Budget announcement about earmarking Rs 1,000 crore each for opening women’s banks across the country and the Nirbhaya Fund.

A Bill has also been introduced to give women a share in parental property and to stop incidents of sexual harassment and domestic violence, she said.

Congratulating women on the occasion of Women’s Day, she said, “One needs to take stronger steps to end the stigma on rape victims and other victims of crime against women.

“It is the responsibility of educated girls and everyone to raise your voice against these social ills,” she said.

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