Every woman should be able to walk the street, ride the bus: Obama

New Delhi, Jan 27: US President Barack Obama Tuesday said he was happy to see all the "incredible" women in the Indian armed forces during the Republic Day parade, which he said was a sign of great progress of the country. In a town hall meeting-style speech at the Siri Fort Auditorium here, his last engagement before he flew off to Saudi Arabia, the US president spoke extensively on the important role of women in building society and also stressed that it is necessary to ensure security to every woman.

On wife Michelle

Referring to his wife Michelle, who was in the audience, Obama said: "Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind or tell me when I am wrong, which happens very frequently", to loud cheers from the invited audience that comprised youths, students, NGOs and diplomats. A large percentage of people in the 2,000-strong audience were young women who repeatedly cheered Obama. He said in the US, the government is "still working to ensure that women and girls have all the opportunities they deserve", and referred to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has come with him, as a "role model" of women's empowerment.

On "wives and mothers" of India

Referring to the "wives and mothers" of India who toil to "hold families and communities together", Obama said the women have shown that "they can succeed in everything". He said the young women of India are standing up and playing a part in the country's progress. "Nations are more successful when their women are successful, when girls go to school", he said, and added that the most direct measure of how successful a nation is how it treats its women.