Respect, protect women - celebs urge on International Women's Day

Celebrating International Women's Day will be more meaningful when the nation will be a safer haven for the fairer sex, Bollywood celebrities like Anupam Kher and Bipasha Basu believe.

A string of celebrities took to Twitter to praise the strength of women, and how the need of the hour is to safeguard them.

Here's what they wrote:

Anupam Kher: Happy Women's Day will make more sense the day we actually think of their happiness, dignity and respect. Men need to change. Women are fine.

Onir: On Women's Day, wishing that the film industry would not only give them appropriate credits, but also not have such difference between what a female actor is paid in comparison to the male counterpart. And that holds true for sports too. I find it hard to say - Happy Women's Day when all I see around me is violence, disrespect and discrimination.

Bipasha Basu: The theme for International Women's Day 2013 is "A promise is a promise". Time for action to end violence against women!

Shekhar Kapur: India's future depends on having women stand as equals and as partners in taking the nation forward. Happy Women's Day.

Sophie Choudry: Considering the number of heinous crimes committed against women in our country, Women's Day means nothing until we can be respected and protected!

Preity Zinta: Happy Women's Day to all the women out there. Have one thing to say to you all. "Don't tell me sky is the limit when you have footprints on the moon."

Madhur Bhandarkar: To the epitome of strength, tenderness, care and wisdom... Happy Women's Day to all the women around the world. Shine on!

Akshay Kumar: Happy Women's Day, everyday! You don't need me or anyone else to remind you that, but no harm in a little pampering. Enjoy!

Karan Johar: Men deserve a day of celebration not women... because women own the other 364 days of the year! Happy Women's Day!

Jackky Bhagnani: Happy Women's Day to all the women of the world, and today I must admit that apart from physical stregnth, women are far superior in all aspects.