Progress on Gender Equality in India
India has made significant strides in gender equality, backed by sustained policy efforts, grassroots movements, and women’s resilience.
The Beijing Declaration in 1995 set a global roadmap, highlighting areas like poverty, education, health, and women’s economic empowerment.
Visible Evidence of Change
Maternal Health: Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan have boosted institutional deliveries to 95%, reducing maternal mortality.
Contraceptive Use: Over half of married women (56.5%) now use modern contraceptives, gaining more control over reproductive health.
Health Schemes: Ayushman Bharat has provided millions of women with free healthcare treatment.
Education: The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ (BBBP) initiative improved the child sex ratio and school enrolments for girls.
The National Education Policy 2020 promotes gender equality in education, especially in STEM fields.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Over 100 million women are connected to financial networks through National Rural and Urban Livelihood Missions, fostering financial independence and entrepreneurship.
Digital financial platforms like UPI have empowered women with savings and investment opportunities.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission and digital literacy programs have further expanded financial and digital empowerment.
Violence Against Women
Gender-based violence remains a challenge despite efforts to eliminate it. India has established 770 One Stop Centres for survivors’ support.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 strengthens legal protections, improving women’s safety.
Innovative programs like a blockchain system in Odisha and partnerships with UNFPA have enhanced support and access to justice for survivors.
Young Women Leaders Driving Change
Young women are taking leadership roles in areas like climate action, digital entrepreneurship, and technology.
Programs like GATI and G20 TechEquity are equipping young women with skills in STEM and emerging technologies.
Political Representation
India’s Women’s Reservation Bill, which guarantees 33% legislative representation, builds on local governance successes with over 1.5 million women leaders.
The Global Imperative of Gender Equality
The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration highlights that gender equality is a global priority, not just a women’s issue.
India’s progress is driven by strong government leadership, collaborations, and investment in young women’s leadership.
India’s commitment to women-led development, financial inclusion, and social transformation sets a global benchmark for inclusive, sustainable growth.
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