International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is a global tribute to the achievements and contributions of women across all spheres of life. The 2025 theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” highlights the urgency of bridging gaps in rights, amplifying voices, and fostering a world where every woman and girl can thrive. In India, the government has made significant strides in empowering women through progressive policies, welfare schemes, and legal reforms, shifting from mere support to active leadership. Women are breaking barriers in education, healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and governance, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s socio-economic growth. Their increasing participation in leadership, digital inclusion, and policymaking is driving India towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
In a landmark initiative ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged women nationwide to share their inspiring stories of perseverance and success on the NaMo App Open Forum. This platform has already received thousands of submissions, showcasing the strength and resilience of Indian women from diverse backgrounds. To further elevate their voices, the Prime Minister announced that on March 8, selected women would take over his social media accounts, reaching an audience of over 200 million followers across platforms. This initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to empower women, as reflected in policies like the Stand-Up India Scheme, which has supported over 3 lakh women entrepreneurs, and the PM Jan Dhan Yojana, where 30.46 crore out of 49 crore bank accounts are held by women. By amplifying women’s achievements on a global scale, the initiative reinforces the nation’s commitment to gender equality, ensuring that their stories inspire future generations to break barriers and pursue their aspirations.
Constitutional and Legal Framework for Gender Equality in India
The Indian Constitution enshrines gender equality as a fundamental principle, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. The Preamble upholds justice, liberty, and equality, while Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy reinforce this vision. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, preventing discrimination in legal matters. Article 15 explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, while Article 51A(e) calls upon citizens to renounce practices that degrade women’s dignity. Directive Principles such as Articles 39 and 42 further advocate for equal livelihood opportunities, fair wages, and maternity relief, establishing a strong legal foundation for women’s empowerment.
Beyond national commitments, India is a signatory to key international treaties promoting gender equality. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) emphasize equal rights and non-discrimination. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979) provides a global framework for women’s rights. India also supports the Beijing Declaration (1995) and the UN Convention Against Corruption (2003) to address systemic inequalities. Furthermore, India aligns with the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, reinforcing gender equality as a critical goal for inclusive global progress.
Government Schemes for Women’s Upliftment
● Education is the foundation of women’s empowerment, paving the way for economic independence and social equality. The Indian government has implemented numerous policies to ensure girls receive equal access to quality education at all levels. In recent years, gender parity in education has seen remarkable improvement, with female enrolment surpassing male enrolment in several sectors.
● To make education accessible to every child, the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 mandates free schooling for children aged 6 to 14. Additionally, initiatives like the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan focus on strengthening school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to provide safe and inclusive learning environments for girls.
● Recognizing the importance of girl child education, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched to improve the child sex ratio and encourage girls’ education. This program raises awareness and provides financial incentives for families to educate their daughters.
● The Indian higher education system has witnessed a positive shift, with the Female Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) surpassing that of males since 2017-18. In 2021-22, female enrolment in higher education reached 2.07 crore, accounting for nearly 50% of the total student population. Additionally, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes gender equity and inclusion, ensuring that women have equal opportunities for advanced studies and skill development.
● To support education among marginalized communities, Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide quality education to tribal girls, ensuring they have access to the same academic opportunities as others.
● Apart from student enrolment, the participation of women in academia has also seen a positive trend. The female-to-male faculty ratio improved significantly from 63 in 2014-15 to 77 in 2021-22, reflecting greater opportunities for women in teaching and research fields.
● Women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has seen a significant rise, with 42.57 per cent (41.9 lakh) of total STEM enrolment comprising female students. This growth is a result of various targeted initiatives that encourage and support women in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
● Several government-led programs are actively promoting STEM education for girls, particularly in underrepresented regions. The Vigyan Jyoti program, launched in 2020, plays a crucial role in motivating young girls to explore STEM careers. The Overseas Fellowship Scheme provides women scientists with opportunities to engage in global research, expanding their expertise and exposure. Additionally, digital learning platforms such as the National Digital Library, SWAYAM, and SWAYAM PRABHA ensure that women have access to high-quality educational resources, breaking geographical and financial barriers. More than 10 lakh girl students have also benefited from various scholarships aimed at promoting STEM education.
● Apart from STEM-focused initiatives, skill development programs empower women with vocational and technical expertise. The Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) offer specialized training to enhance employability. Women Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) provide technical education to prepare women for diverse job roles. Furthermore, Women Technology Parks (WTPs) serve as dedicated hubs for training and capacity building, ensuring that women acquire industry-relevant skills and contribute effectively to various sectors.
Health and Nutrition
● Access to quality healthcare is essential for improving women’s well-being and bridging gender-based health disparities. Recognizing this, the government has introduced multiple policies focused on maternal health, child nutrition, and medical support for women across all socio-economic groups. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has provided financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers, with Rs17,362 crore disbursed to 3.81 crore women as of January 2025.
● Significant progress has been made in maternal and child health. The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has seen a notable decline from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20) per lakh live births. Similarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) has dropped from 43 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 32 in 2020. Additionally, life expectancy for women has improved to 71.4 years (2016-20) and is projected to reach 74.7 years by 2031-36.
● Efforts to enhance nutrition and sanitation have been transformative. The Jal Jeevan Mission has provided clean drinking water to 15.4 crore households, reducing the spread of waterborne diseases. The Swachh Bharat Mission has facilitated the construction of 11.8 crore toilets, promoting better hygiene and sanitation. Programs like Poshan Abhiyaan continue to strengthen maternal and child nutrition, while the Ujjwala Yojana has distributed over 10.3 crore clean cooking gas connections, reducing indoor air pollution and improving women’s health.
Financial Inclusion
● Economic independence is a cornerstone of women’s empowerment, and targeted financial initiatives have significantly increased women’s participation in banking and entrepreneurship. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has ensured greater financial inclusion, with over 30.46 crore accounts opened, 55% of which belong to women. Schemes like Stand-Up India and MUDRA have facilitated access to credit, with 84% of loans under Rs10 lakh to Rs 1 crore sanctioned to women entrepreneurs and 69% of microloans supporting women-led enterprises.
● Women’s participation in self-help groups (SHGs) has also expanded under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), with 10 crore women connected to 9 million SHGs. The Bank Sakhis Model has empowered 6,094 women banking correspondents, who collectively processed transactions worth $40 million in 2020, enhancing financial accessibility in rural areas.
Employment and Leadership
● Women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors has seen a remarkable rise. The inclusion of women in the Armed Forces, access to National Defence Academy (NDA), combat roles, and their entry into Sainik Schools signify progressive steps toward gender parity in defense. In civil aviation, India leads globally with over 15 per cent of its pilots being women—significantly higher than the global average of 5 per cent. To support working women, Sakhi Niwas hostels have been established, with 523 hostels benefiting over 26,000 women.
● Encouraging female entrepreneurship has been a focus of government initiatives. To foster women-led businesses, 10 per cent of funds under the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have been earmarked for startups led by women. This financial backing, combined with mentoring and skill-building programs, is helping women entrepreneurs drive innovation and economic growth.
● In today’s digital world, access to technology and digital literacy is crucial for women’s socio-economic progress. The Prime Minister’s Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has trained 60 million rural citizens in digital literacy, ensuring that women are not left behind in the digital revolution. Over 67,000 women entrepreneurs now operate Common Service Centres (CSCs), offering digital services in rural areas.
● Healthcare accessibility has also been strengthened through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which integrates digital health services to make medical care more efficient and accessible. Additionally, SANKALP Hubs for Women Empowerment are functioning across 742 districts in 35 States/UTs, fostering skill development and employment opportunities.
Financial Technology and Digital Inclusion
The rise of digital banking and Aadhaar-linked financial services has enhanced economic security for women, enabling easier access to credit and government benefits. Government e-marketplaces have also created new opportunities for female entrepreneurs to expand their businesses online. These initiatives are ensuring that women are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Ensuring Women’s Safety and Protection
● Women’s safety is a fundamental priority for the Indian government, with comprehensive legal frameworks, dedicated funds, and institutional mechanisms in place to prevent crimes and provide justice. Over the years, stringent laws have been enacted to protect women from various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and workplace exploitation. Reforms such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, which introduced harsher penalties for sexual offenses, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, have strengthened the legal recourse available to women. Additionally, landmark laws like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 and the Ban on Triple Talaq (2019) have provided crucial safeguards against gender-based discrimination and injustice.
● Recognizing the need for immediate support systems, the government has allocated ₹11,298 crore under the Nirbhaya Fund to implement nationwide safety initiatives. This includes One Stop Centres (OSCs), which have assisted over a million women, and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), which has handled over 38 crore distress calls. Specialized Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) have been established to expedite cases of sexual violence, with 750 courts currently operational, including 408 dedicated to POCSO cases. Efforts to enhance digital safety have led to the introduction of a Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and the development of cyber forensic labs. Additionally, Safe City Projects in eight metropolitan areas focus on creating secure urban spaces for women.
● Institutional reforms have also played a crucial role in improving legal and law enforcement mechanisms. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, has introduced stronger provisions for gender justice, ensuring stricter punishments for sexual offenses and human trafficking. Enhanced witness protection laws and the recognition of digital evidence in legal proceedings further strengthen women’s access to justice. To promote gender inclusivity in law enforcement, 33 per cent reservation for women has been introduced in select Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Additionally, grassroots-level initiatives such as Nari Adalats—community-based women’s courts piloted in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir—are expanding to provide local dispute resolution and legal assistance.
These collective efforts signify the government’s commitment to building a safer and more equitable society for women. Through legal empowerment, emergency support, and institutional strengthening, India continues to take significant strides toward ensuring the protection and dignity of women in all spheres of life.
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