New Delhi, March 5 (IANS): Emphasising the need to give appropriate representation to women in parliament and state legislatures, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said empowerment of women was not possible in absence of their representation in legislative bodies across the country.

"It's unfortunate (for the country) for not being able to ensure 33 percent representation of women in parliament," Mukherjee said while addressing a national conference of women legislators here on 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India'.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving importance to cause of women and girls, Mukherjee said: "I thank prime minister for 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate girl child) programme."

He said that in order to ensure overall development of the country and society, India must recognise and encourage the 'stree shakti' (women empowerment) and this could only be possible by giving them due representation in the parliament and state legislatures.

"How can there a be empowerment of women without proper representation," the president added.