International Women’s Day (IWD), observed every year on March 8, serves as a global platform to honour women’s contributions across various fields, including social, economic, political, and cultural spheres. The theme for 2025, "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," emphasises the importance of universal rights and opportunities, ensuring that every woman and girl can contribute to a more equitable future.
What is the significance of International Women’s Day for 2025?
This year marks a significant milestone as the world reflects on three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), a landmark commitment to advancing gender equality. This anniversary serves as an opportunity to evaluate progress made in legal reforms, economic inclusion, social equity, and the fight against gender stereotypes.
What are India's Initiatives Toward Women-Led Development?
India is shifting its focus from women-centric development to a model where women actively drive progress. This transformation is visible in policy frameworks, legislative advancements, and grassroots initiatives promoting education, financial inclusion, and leadership. In the run-up to IWD 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged women to share their success stories through the NaMo App Open Forum, providing a platform to others that will both inspire and showcase their achievements on March 8.
Legal and Constitutional Safeguards for Gender Equality
Key Constitutional Provisions
Article | Provision |
Article 14 | Guarantees equality before the law |
Article 15 | Prohibits discrimination on gender grounds |
Article 39 | Ensures equal livelihood opportunities and fair wages |
Article 42 | Mandates provisions for maternity benefits |
International Commitments India is a participant in various global efforts aimed at securing gender equality:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
- The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), 1979
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030)
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Government Programs Promoting Women’s Empowerment
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Education & Skill Development Education serves as a cornerstone for gender parity. The government has initiated several programs aimed at expanding educational opportunities for girls.
Notable Programs:
- Right to Education Act, 2009: Education that is both free and mandatory is guaranteed.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Initiatives to enhance the education of girls and improve the child-sex ratio are a key focus.
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: To enhance school education from pre-school to class 12, ensuring equity and quality learning.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: It aims to create responsible and active citizens who help build a fair, inclusive, and diverse society as per constitutional values.
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Women in STEM:
- The number of female students enrolled in STEM fields reached 41.9 lakh, constituting 42.57% of total enrolment.
- Over 10 lakh girls have received scholarships for STEM subjects.
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Ensuring access to healthcare services is essential to reducing health disparities between genders.
Major Health Schemes:
Scheme | Objective |
PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) | Provides financial aid to pregnant women |
Poshan Abhiyaan | Focuses on maternal and child nutrition |
Ayushman Bharat | Expands healthcare access |
Health Achievements:
- The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) decreased from 130 to 97 between 2014-16 and 2018-20, respectively.
- Additionally, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) dropped from 43 in 2015 to 32 in 2020.
- Life expectancy for women increased to 71.4 years (2016-20), with projections reaching 74.7 years by 2031-36.
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Economic Empowerment & Financial Inclusion Financial autonomy plays a vital role in enabling women’s independence and security.
Key Financial Schemes:
- Stand-Up India Scheme has provided 84% of its loans to women entrepreneurs.
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana has over 30.46 crore accounts, with women owning 55% of them.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have provided over 10 crore women who are members of 9 million SHGs in India.
- Under the MUDRA Scheme, 69% of microloans under this scheme are given to women.
Women in Leadership & Workforce:
- In India, women now have the opportunity to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), take on combat roles, and attend Sainik Schools as part of the Indian Armed Forces.
- 15% of pilots in India are women, compared to 5% globally.
- 10% of SIDBI funds are reserved for women-led enterprises to encourage women in startups.
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Digital & Technological Inclusion Technology serves as an equaliser, bridging the gender divide in access to resources.
Digital India Programs:
- PMGDISHA: 60 million rural citizens have been trained in digital literacy.
- Common Service Centres (CSCs): 67,000 women entrepreneurs are managing digital service hubs across the country.
- SANKALP Hubs: 742 districts have established hubs to support women entrepreneurs.
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The government also prioritises the safety and security of women.
Key Legal Provisions:
Law | Purpose |
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 | Stricter penalties for sexual offenses |
Act of 2005 on Protection of Women from Domestic Violence | Protection against domestic abuse |
Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013 | Ensures safe workplaces |
POCSO Act, 2012 | Safeguards children against sexual offenses |
Safety Initiatives:
Initiative | Impact |
One Stop Centres (OSCs) | 802 centers aiding 1 million+ women |
Nirbhaya Fund | ₹11,298 crore allocated |
Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) | 750 operational, 408 dedicated to POCSO cases |
Women Help Desks | 13,743 of the 14,658 equipped police stations is led by women. |
Conclusion
India has made remarkable strides in empowering women through policies, legal frameworks, and socio-economic initiatives. The nation’s transition toward a women-led development model is fostering an inclusive society where women actively shape the country’s progress. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the focus remains on accelerating gender equality, creating leadership opportunities, and ensuring a secure future for all women and girls.
Call to Action: We can also contribute to gender equality by:
- Supporting inclusive policies and equal opportunities.
- Encouraging education and skill development for women.
- Advocating for stronger safety measures and leadership representation.
- Recognising and amplifying women’s achievements globally.
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