This year’s International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, will center on the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” with a focus on building an inclusive future, particularly for adolescents and the younger generation.
The celebrations also coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic blueprint adopted in 1995 by 189 governments to advance women’s rights globally.
India has made significant strides in empowering women through initiatives that promote education, healthcare, economic independence, and safety.
Moving from the concept of women’s development to women-led development, the country has placed women at the heart of its socio-economic progress.
On Saturday, March 8, the Government of India will host a national-level conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, under the theme “Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat” (Developed India Through Women’s Power).
The event will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, with the Minister for Women & Child Development, Annpurna Devi, Minister of State Savitri Thakur, and other senior officials in attendance.
Women from the armed forces, police, and various key sectors will also participate, alongside representatives from international organizations like UNICEF and UN Women.
A #SheBuildsBharat campaign will be launched to honor the contributions of women to nation-building.
The event will feature panel discussions on financial inclusion, leadership, and the role of women in STEM, entrepreneurship, and governance. Digital media zones and exhibits will showcase women’s achievements, with the entire proceedings livestreamed across platforms.
In the lead-up to the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday encouraged women to share their inspiring stories through the NaMo App, with selected women taking over his social media accounts on March 8 to amplify their voices.
Government Schemes for Women’s Upliftment
The government has launched several schemes to support women’s empowerment:
Education: Initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan ensure access to education, with female enrolment in higher education surpassing male enrolment since 2017. Programs like Vigyan Jyoti promote STEM education for girls.
Health and Nutrition: The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has provided cash incentives to millions of women, significantly improving maternal and child health. Programs like Poshan Abhiyaan and Ujjwala Yojana address nutrition and clean cooking access.
Economic Empowerment: Financial inclusion initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana and Stand-Up India have empowered women through microloans and entrepreneurship. Self-help groups and vocational training schemes further support women’s financial independence.
Digital Empowerment: Digital literacy programs like PMGDISHA have trained millions of rural women, while initiatives like Common Service Centres have enabled women to become digital entrepreneurs.
Safety and Protection: Laws like the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act and schemes such as the Nirbhaya Fund have strengthened women’s safety and protection. Fast-track courts and emergency response systems have been set up to address crimes against women efficiently.
