Harassed for dowry and cheated of her property by her in-laws after her husband's death, Sushila Kajala fought back to claim what was rightfully hers and is now helping other women in becoming financially independent.

Kajala, a resident of Sannaud village in Delhi, was on Thursday presented a 'bravery award' instituted by the Delhi Commission for Women on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur, who was chief guest at the award function, conferred the honour on Kajala.

"Stopping female foeticide and ensuring womens' economic independence are two of the most pressing needs for improving the status of women in the society," Kaur said.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury noted that the ministry was working towards providing financial freedom to women by giving them loans from the National Women's Fund.

"We have equal rights as men. The 21st century is women's century," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said.

Adding glamour to the function was Bollywood actress Preity Zinta.

The function was held at Dilli Haat, which will for the next two weeks showcase handmade products made by women to mark Women's Day.

Image: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and Prime Minister Manmohan singh's wife Gursharan Kaur take part in a function commemorating International Women's Day, in New Delhi.
Text: PTI | Photograph: Dijeshwar Singh/Saab Pictures