The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 1975 as International Women's Year with the theme, "Equality, Development and Peace". The theme is based on the principle set forth in the Preamble to the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women adopted by the General Assembly on November  7, 1967:

"....that the full and complete development of a country, the welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of women as well as men in all fields".

The International Women's Year is to be devoted to intensified action:

(a) To promote equality between men and women;

(b) To ensure the full integration of women in the total development effort; especially by emphasizing women's responsibility and important role in economic, social and cultural development at the national, regional and international levels, particularly during the Second United Nations Development Decade;

(c) To recognize the importance of women's increasing contribution to the development of friendly relations and co-operation among States and to the strengthening of world peace.

In India, the Year will be observed through various programmes involving youth, women and men. The programmes include, among other things, seminars and symposia, exhibitions, mass distribution of literature, radio and television broadcasts, essay and elocution contests and awards honouring  outstanding women.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department deems it a privilege to associate itself with the observance of the International Women's Year by bringing out a commemorative stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India