Shimla, Jul 16 (IANS): It is difficult to think of development of a society without the welfare and empowerment of women, who constitute half the population, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Monday.

Addressing the state-level legal awareness programme, held here by the state Commission for Women, he said collective efforts are required to ensure women empowerment.

Thakur said that although several laws have been enacted for women empowerment and checking crime against them, still a lot more needs to be done.

Merely making laws is not enough, but the need of the hour is to change the mindset of society, he said.

Appreciating the state Commission for Women, the Chief Minister said it is rendering a great service to the society for empowering and making the women aware of their rights.

The Commission receives about 1,000 cases every year, out of which over 600 are redressed by it amicably, he said.

A total of nine women awareness camps and five legal awareness camps were organised in the state in six months to create awareness amongst women about their rights.