India Advances Women-Led Development with Empowerment Initiatives and Legislative Reforms

The government's multi-faceted approach addresses various aspects of women's empowerment across education, social, economic, and political spheres.

India is making significant strides towards transitioning from women’s development to women-led development, reflecting its vision of a new India where women are pivotal partners in rapid and sustainable national growth. The government's multi-faceted approach addresses various aspects of women's empowerment across education, social, economic, and political spheres.

A major leap forward was marked by the enactment of "The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023" (Constitution One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act 2023, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, including the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi. This landmark legislation aims to enhance women's representation in governance.

To foster women's employment, the government has incorporated enabling provisions in the Labour Codes—namely, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and the Code on Social Security, 2020. These provisions are designed to create a supportive work environment for women workers.

Several initiatives are in place to boost women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including the Women Scientist Scheme, Vigyan Jyoti scheme, and Overseas Fellowship Scheme.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development oversees "Mission Shakti," an umbrella scheme aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and empowerment of women. This scheme includes:

One Stop Centres: Provide integrated help and support to women facing violence or distress.

24x7 Women Helpline: Offers emergency and non-emergency support, connects women with appropriate authorities, and provides information on government schemes.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Focuses on preventing gender-based sex-selection, promoting gender equality, and discouraging child marriage.

Shakti Sadan: Assists women in distress, including victims of trafficking.

Sakhi Niwas: Offers safe and affordable accommodation with childcare for working women and those pursuing education.

Palna: Provides childcare facilities in Anganwadi-cum-crèches to support women’s workforce participation.

Hubs for Empowerment of Women: Address information asymmetry regarding government schemes for women in rural and urban areas.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Delivers cash benefits to pregnant women and lactating mothers via direct benefit transfer (DBT).

Other notable schemes include:

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages financial investment in girls’ futures.

Samagra Shiksha: Ensures separate toilets for girls in schools and provides various scholarships.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana: Supplies affordable sanitary napkins.

In terms of economic independence, the government has introduced the Skill India Mission and established Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana to enhance women’s skills through training and vocational programs. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aims to improve digital literacy in rural areas.

One of the most successful initiatives, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), supports around 90 lakh women self-help groups with nearly 10 crore members, significantly impacting rural employment and self-employment. The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) serves urban areas, while other schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand-up India, Start-up India, Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) provide employment, self-employment, and credit facilities, benefiting many women.

In a bid to foster cultural change, the government launched a Guide on Gender-Inclusive Communication in November 2023. This guide aims to transform entrenched linguistic norms and promote gender inclusivity.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates the Indian government's commitment to advancing women-led development and ensuring gender equality across all facets of society.