"After a recent terrible incident with a woman in Delhi, there has been a lot of discussion on the condition of women in our society. This is true it will take us a long journey before we have equal status for both women and men in our society. But women are half of our population. Their participation is very important for our growth," he said.
A change in social mindset towards women was also needed, the Prime Minister said.
"Whatever change in law is needed for this, we are committed to it. But this will not be enough. We will have to change our social values so that respect for women in society increases," he said.