By edukalive 
Every year on March 8, the world unites to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day dedicated to honoring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across all spheres of life. It is a moment to reflect on progress made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and take bold steps toward a future of equality.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, calls for urgent and collective efforts to fast-track progress toward gender equality. It emphasizes the need to break barriers, challenge biases, and implement impactful policies that empower women and girls across all sectors.
India’s Journey: From Women’s Development to Women-Led Development
India has been at the forefront of women’s empowerment, spearheading transformative policies, schemes, and legal reforms that uplift women and integrate them into the nation’s economic, social, and technological fabric. The transition from women’s development to women-led development is evident in the growing participation of women in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and governance.
Let’s explore the major strides India has made in fostering gender equality and how these initiatives have impacted the lives of millions of women.
1. Education: The Cornerstone of Women’s Empowerment
Education is the bedrock of empowerment, and India has made significant progress in ensuring universal access to quality education for girls.
Key Initiatives:
✅ Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) – A flagship scheme addressing gender imbalance and promoting girls’ education.
✅ Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – Enhances school infrastructure with gender-friendly facilities to encourage higher enrolment.
✅ National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Emphasizes gender inclusivity, skill development, and flexible learning.
✅ STEM Initiatives – Programs like Vigyan Jyoti and the Overseas Fellowship Scheme encourage girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Impact:
🔹 Female enrolment in higher education has reached 2.07 crore, comprising nearly 50% of total enrolment.
🔹 Women now account for 42.57% of STEM enrolment, challenging long-standing gender disparities in science and technology.
Education is no longer just a privilege but a powerful tool enabling Indian women to shape their destinies.
2. Health and Nutrition: Building a Healthier Future
Ensuring access to quality healthcare and nutrition is critical to women’s physical, mental, and social well-being. India has undertaken a multi-pronged approach to strengthen maternal and child health.
Key Initiatives:
✅ Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – Provides financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers, benefiting 3.81 crore women.
✅ Jal Jeevan Mission – Delivers potable tap water to households, significantly reducing health risks.
✅ Swachh Bharat Mission – 11.8 crore toilets constructed, improving sanitation and dignity for millions of women.
✅ Poshan Abhiyaan – Addresses malnutrition among women and children through targeted interventions.
Impact:
🔹 Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has dropped from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20).
🔹 Women’s life expectancy has risen to 71.4 years, with projections estimating it will reach 74.7 years by 2031-36.
A healthier woman leads to a healthier family, community, and nation.
3. Economic Empowerment: The Key to Independence
Economic independence is a powerful enabler of gender equality, and India has introduced several initiatives to foster women’s entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and workforce participation.
Key Initiatives:
✅ PM Jan Dhan Yojana – Over 30.46 crore women have been financially included through bank accounts.
✅ MUDRA Scheme – 69% of microloans have been extended to women entrepreneurs, fueling their business dreams.
✅ Stand-Up India Scheme – 84% of loans under ₹10 lakh-₹1 crore sanctioned to women-led enterprises.
✅ Self-Help Groups (SHGs) – 10 crore women are now part of 9 million SHGs, fostering financial literacy and business acumen.
Impact:
🔹 Women’s participation in major household decisions has increased from 84% (2015) to 88.7% (2020).
🔹 More women are becoming job creators rather than job seekers, driving India’s economic growth.
A financially empowered woman is a catalyst for community prosperity.
4. Digital and Technological Empowerment: Bridging the Gender Gap
In an era where technology drives progress, digital literacy and access to technology are crucial for women’s socio-economic mobility.
Key Initiatives:
✅ PMGDISHA – Over 60 million rural citizens trained in digital skills, with a strong focus on women.
✅ Common Service Centres (CSCs) – 67,000 women entrepreneurs are managing digital service centers across India.
✅ Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – Ensures seamless healthcare access through digital platforms.
Impact:
🔹 More women are leveraging e-commerce, fintech, and telemedicine, enhancing their economic opportunities and healthcare access.
By embracing technology, women are shaping India’s digital transformation.
5. Safety and Protection: Ensuring Women’s Security
A society cannot progress unless its women feel safe and secure. India has prioritized legal and institutional measures to combat crimes against women and ensure justice.
Key Initiatives:
✅ Nirbhaya Fund – Allocated ₹11,298 crore for safety projects like One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).
✅ Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 – Strengthened legal frameworks against sexual offenses and violence.
✅ Safe City Projects – Launched in 8 metropolitan cities to create safer public spaces for women.
Impact:
🔹 Over 1 million women have received support from 802 One Stop Centres.
🔹 750 Fast Track Special Courts are expediting justice in gender-based violence cases.
Empowered women must also be protected women.
Conclusion: A Future of Equality and Inclusion
As India and the world celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we acknowledge that while significant progress has been made, the journey towards true gender equality is far from complete.
The vision of an inclusive, empowered society demands continuous efforts in policy-making, community engagement, digital inclusion, and leadership opportunities for women.
Let’s work together to create a future where every woman and girl has the freedom to learn, lead, and thrive.
Because when women rise, nations prosper.
References:
📌 Ministry of Women and Child Development
📌 Press Information Bureau, Government of India
📌 United Nations Observances