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Women empowerment is the promotion of women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. It is rightly said that empowering a man leads to empowering an individual but empowering a woman empowers an entire generation. The current government has taken significant strides in the direction of women empowerment. It has fostered a culture where
everyone has an equal, free, and fair opportunity to engage in social, political, and economic activities.
What are the different aspects of women empowerment?
Women empowerment is an all encompassing term. However it has different aspects to it namely- Political empowerment, economic empowerment and social empowerment.
| Political Empowerment | Despite progress in several fields, women representation in the political institutions have remained low. However government has tried to address the issue of low representation at various levels. 1. Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam(Women reservation Act)- Passed to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. 2. 73rd and 74th amendment Act- Provided 33% reservation to women in local bodies. Some states like Bihar have increased the women reservation in the local bodies to 50%. 3. Govt has been encouraging political parties to nominate more women candidates and has been providing leadership training. |
| Economic Empowerment | 1. Governments has been promoting equal pay for equal work through the four new labour codes. 2. Government has established maternity leave and childcare policies through the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. 3. It has also provide access to finance and entrepreneurship training for women like the Mudra Yojana and the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana. |
| Social Empowerment | 1.Government has focused on ending child marriage and safeguarded sexual and reproductive health rights through The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Act of 2021. 2. Government has been protecting women’s land rights through Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) and implementing gender-responsive budgeting which are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality. |
Read More- Women Empowerment NHFS data
What are some recent flagship programs of Government for Women Empowerment?
Women Empowerment has been a top priority for the current Government. That is why govt has introduced many flagship programs for women development.
| S.No. | Government Schemes | Launch Year | Features/objectives |
| 1 | Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | 2015 | Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and welfare of girls. |
| 2 | Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) | 2017 | Introduced in 2017, this maternity benefit scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women for improved health and nutrition during pregnancy and childbirth. |
| 3 | Mahila e-Haat | 2016 | This online platform was launched in 2016 to facilitate women entrepreneurs and artisans in showcasing and selling their products. It also provides a digital marketplace for women to reach a wider customer base and promote their businesses. |
| 4 | Ujjwala Yojana | 2016 | Launched in 2016, this scheme provides free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households. It aims to improve their health, reduce indoor air pollution, and empower them by enabling clean cooking fuel access. |
| 5 | Stand Up India | 2016 | Introduced in 2016, this scheme encourages entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled caste or scheduled tribe individuals. It offers bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to set up greenfield enterprises, promoting women’s economic empowerment and self-employment opportunities. |
| 6 | Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) | 2015 | Introduced in 2015, it aims to provide industry relevant training to enhance employability. It has benefited many women by offering skill development courses in various sectors. |
These are just a few examples of government schemes implemented in the last decade to
promote women’s empowerment, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and skill development. There
are several other schemes at the central and state levels that focus on women’s welfare, education, and financial inclusion.
What are some recent reforms undertaken by the Govt?
Efforts have been made across various areas, including legislation, social programs, and awareness campaigns, to promote gender equality protect women rights and for women empowerment in last 10 years.
| S.No. | Government Reforms | Features/objectives |
| 1 | Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Nirbhaya Act) | This amendment was passed in 2013, making significant changes to laws concerning sexual offences. The Government established the Nirbhaya Fund to support initiatives addressing women’s safety and empowerment. The fund has been utilised to set up one-stop centres, women’s helplines, and improve infrastructure for women’s safety. |
| 2 | Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 | This amendment was enacted in 2017, extending the maternity leave period for women working in the organised sector in India from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. This reform recognises the importance of providing adequate time for maternal health and bonding with the child. |
| 3 | The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019 | This amendment was passed in 2019, strengthening the protection of children from sexual offenses. |
| 4 | The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 | Although not specific to women as a whole, was also an important amendment passed within the last 10 years to provide legal protection to Muslim women against instant triple talaq (divorce). It criminalised the practice of instant triple talaq (divorce) among Muslim men in India. This reform aimed to protect the rights of Muslim women and ensure gender equality within personal laws. |
| 5 | Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 | This Act mandates the establishment of internal committees in workplaces to address complaints of sexual harassment and ensure a safe working environment for women. |
These reforms have played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and empowerment in
India, fostering gender equality, and challenging systemic inequalities. However, it is important to continue working towards creating a society that fully upholds and respects women’s rights in all aspects of life.
What should be the way forward ?
We must move away from Women Development to Women Led Development. Women should be re-imagined as architects of India’s progress and development, rather than being passive recipients of the fruits of development. The ripple effects of Women Led Development are undeniable as an educated and empowered woman will ensure education and empowerment for future generations.
It is only through collective efforts, involving governments, civil society and individuals, that we can create a more equitable and inclusive world for women. The Supreme Court of India’s recently released Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes will give a fresh impetus to the quest towards a gender-just legal order.
Read More- The Hindu
