New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday hosted a lunch for 100 women achievers for their contribution to nation building and community development on the first anniversary of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme at Rashtrapati Bhawan.


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"These women have now emerged as achievers through public support. These are women who have pushed boundaries to prove their mettle over 20 categories," senior Women and Child Development Ministry official said.


The 100 women achievers were selected by the ministry through a nationwide contest and public nominations.


The ministry, in collaboration with Facebook, had conducted the '100 Women Initiative' to recognize women who are making a difference in their communities across the country and their achievements may have gone unsung.


The contest was beamed live on ministry's Facebook page on July 15 last year through which nominations were invited in 20 categories.


"The ministry received an encouraging response from the public, with nominations flowing in from the public. A panel of jury members shortlisted the top 200 women nominees across 20 categories," ministry official said.


Public voting was held through Facebook from 3-20 December, 2015.


Rashida Bi from Madhya Pradesh has been selected in the Environment and Forests and Wildlife category for working towards the welfare of Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims for the last 30 years.


The list of nominees also includes Patiala-based Harshinder Kaur, a paediatric doctor who has been awarded by numerous governments across the globe for her work in eradicating discrimination against female child, and Lalita Nijhawan from Delhi for her commendable work in the field of education for women and children, especially the girl child.


The categories include Access to Justice Protecting Women & their Rights, Agriculture and Animal husbandry, Animal Welfare, Arts and Culture, Commerce Industry and Entrepreneurship, Community Mobilization, Disability and Disadvantage, Education, among others.