International Women’s Day 2025: Empowered Women Empower the World
Context:
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on 8th March to honour women’s achievements across all spheres of life. The theme for 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
- This theme emphasises equal rights, opportunities, and power for all, ensuring an inclusive future where no one is left behind.
- The year 2025 is also significant as it marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a key blueprint for women’s rights worldwide.
Constitutional and Legal Framework: The Indian Constitution upholds gender equality through various provisions:-
- Article 14 guarantees equality before the law.
- Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex.
- Article 51(a)(e) calls for renouncing practices that degrade women’s dignity.
- Directive Principles (Articles 39 & 42) emphasise equal livelihood, pay, and maternity relief.
India is a signatory to several international treaties, including:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966)
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979)
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
- United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2003)
- Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
Government Schemes for Women’s Upliftment
Education for Women’s Empowerment: Education is the foundation of economic independence and gender equality. India has undertaken key initiatives:-
- Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 ensures schools for all children.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) promotes girls’ education and improves the child sex ratio.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritises gender equity.
- Women in STEM: 42.57% of STEM students are women, benefiting from schemes like Vigyan Jyoti (2020) and SWAYAM digital learning.
Health and Nutrition: The government has launched various health programs for maternal and child well-being:-
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): ₹17,362 crore provided to 3.81 crore women.
- Improved Maternal Health: MMR reduced from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20).
- Swachh Bharat Mission: 11.8 crore toilets built, improving hygiene and sanitation.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: 15.4 crore households provided with tap water.
Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion: Women’s financial participation is key to economic growth:-
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana: 30.46 crore bank accounts, 55% held by women.
- MUDRA Scheme: 69% of microloans granted to women entrepreneurs.
- Stand-Up India Scheme: 84% of loans given to women-led businesses.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): 10 crore women connected to 9 million SHGs.
- Women in the Workforce: Women now form 15% of India’s pilots, highest globally.
Digital and Technological Empowerment: Digital literacy is a crucial aspect of women’s progress:-
- PMGDISHA: 60 million rural citizens trained in digital literacy.
- 67,000 women entrepreneurs run Common Service Centres (CSCs).
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission enhances healthcare accessibility through digital platforms.
- Financial Technology: Aadhaar-linked services promote women’s financial security.
Safety and Protection for Women: Women’s safety is a priority, with stronger legal measures and institutional support:-
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 increased penalties for crimes against women.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 safeguards women from domestic abuse.
- One Stop Centres (OSCs): 802 centres assisting over 1 million women.
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): 750 courts operational, including 408 exclusively for POCSO cases.
- Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and Safe City Projects ensure digital and physical security.
