Introduction
Every year on March 8, the world unites to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women across national, cultural, economic, and political spheres. The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This theme underscores the urgent call for equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women, fostering an inclusive future where no one is left behind.
This year’s observance is particularly significant as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to gender equality. This milestone serves as a reminder of the progress made and the journey ahead to ensure full rights and opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
Women-Led Development: The Indian Perspective
India has embraced a transition from women’s development to women-led development, ensuring active female participation in national progress. Women are breaking barriers in education, health, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and leadership, reshaping the country’s socio-economic landscape.
In a special initiative ahead of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited women from across India to share their inspiring stories on the NaMo App Open Forum. To amplify their voices, selected women will take over his social media accounts on March 8, offering a powerful platform for their narratives of perseverance and success.
India’s Legal and Policy Framework for Women’s Empowerment
1. Constitutional & Legal Safeguards
The Indian Constitution ensures gender equality through its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy:
- Article 14: Ensures equality before the law.
- Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on sex.
- Article 39 & 42: Advocates for equal livelihood opportunities and maternity relief.
- Article 51(a)(e): Encourages the elimination of practices derogatory to women.
India is also a signatory to several international treaties, including:
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979)
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
- Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
2. Education: The Gateway to Empowerment
Education is the foundation of women’s empowerment. In recent years, India has made significant strides in gender parity in education, with female enrolment surpassing male enrolment in many sectors:
Key Initiatives:
- Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009: Ensures universal access to schooling.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Focuses on improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls’ education.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Prioritizes gender equity in education.
- Women in STEM: 42.57% of total STEM enrolment consists of female students.
- Vigyan Jyoti & Overseas Fellowship Scheme: Encourages girls to pursue STEM careers.
3. Health & Nutrition: Building a Stronger Future
Ensuring maternal and child health, improved nutrition, and universal healthcare access are key government priorities:
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Over ₹17,362 crore disbursed to support pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reduced from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20) per lakh live births.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: Provided potable tap water to 15.4 crore households.
- Ujjwala Yojana: 10.3 crore clean cooking gas connections distributed, reducing indoor pollution-related health risks.
4. Economic Empowerment & Financial Inclusion
Women’s participation in the workforce is crucial for economic growth. India has made significant strides in financial inclusion and entrepreneurship:
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana: 30.46 crore bank accounts opened, 55% belonging to women.
- MUDRA Scheme: 69% of microloans granted to women-led enterprises.
- Stand-Up India Scheme: 84% of loans sanctioned to women entrepreneurs.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): 10 crore women connected to 9 million SHGs.
- Women in Armed Forces & Civil Aviation: India has over 15% women pilots, higher than the global average of 5%.
5. Digital & Technological Empowerment
Access to technology and digital literacy are essential for economic participation:
- PMGDISHA: Over 60 million rural women trained in digital literacy.
- 67,000 women entrepreneurs running Common Service Centres (CSCs).
- SANKALP Hubs for Women Empowerment: Operating in 742 districts.
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Strengthening women’s healthcare accessibility.
6. Safety & Legal Protection
Women’s safety remains a top priority, with strong legislative measures and institutional reforms in place:
Key Laws:
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018: Enhanced penalties for crimes against women.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
- POCSO Act, 2012: Protection against child abuse.
- Ban on Triple Talaq (2019)
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Nirbhaya Fund & Safety Initiatives:
- One Stop Centres (OSCs): 802 functional centers, assisting over 1 million women.
- Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – 112): 38.34 crore calls handled.
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): 750 operational courts.
- Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and forensic labs enhance digital safety.
- Safe City Projects implemented in 8 major cities.
- Women Help Desks in Police Stations: 14,658 established, 13,743 led by women.
Conclusion
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it is crucial to acknowledge the strides made towards gender equality while recognizing the challenges that remain. India’s progress in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and safety highlights the nation’s commitment to women-led development.
However, the journey is far from over. Sustained policy efforts, grassroots activism, digital inclusion, and community engagement are essential to achieving true gender equality. This Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world where women lead, inspire, and empower generations to come.