International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8, is a global occasion to honor the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality. The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," highlights the necessity of inclusive progress, ensuring that no one is left behind. This theme particularly emphasizes empowering young women and adolescent girls as catalysts for sustainable change.

The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal framework that has shaped global efforts toward gender equality. Since its adoption in 1995, this document has been instrumental in securing legal protections, enhancing access to essential services, and fostering societal transformation for women and girls worldwide. Over the past three decades, significant progress has been made in breaking stereotypes and advancing gender parity across various domains.    

Women’s Empowerment in India

In India, the push for gender equality has led to substantial changes, shifting the focus from women’s development to women-led development. Women are making remarkable strides in education, healthcare, technology, and leadership roles, breaking traditional barriers and setting new benchmarks for success.

Legal Framework Ensuring Gender Equality

India's Constitution provides a strong foundation for gender equality. Key provisions include:

• Article 14: Ensures equality before the law.
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on gender.
• Article 39: Promotes equal livelihood opportunities.
• Article 42: Mandates fair working conditions and maternity relief.

Additionally, India is a signatory to global agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979), and the Beijing Declaration (1995), reinforcing its commitment to gender parity.

Government Initiatives Empowering Women

1. Education: The Key to Women’s Empowerment

Education is a fundamental driver of gender equality, and India has launched several initiatives to ensure equitable learning opportunities:

• Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009): Guarantees schooling for all children.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Focuses on improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls' education.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Prioritizes gender inclusivity and digital learning.

Higher education enrollment among women has seen a significant rise, with over 2.07 crore female students enrolled in 2021-22. Women now constitute 42.57% of total STEM enrollments, demonstrating increasing participation in science and technology fields.

2. Health and Nutrition: Prioritizing Women’s Well-being

The Indian government has introduced multiple health and nutrition initiatives to enhance women’s well-being:

• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Financial assistance of Rs. 17,362 crore provided to 3.81 crore women.
• Decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Reduced from 130 per lakh live births (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20).
• Improved Life Expectancy: Women’s life expectancy has risen to 71.4 years.

Nutrition and sanitation programs, including Poshan Abhiyaan, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission, have significantly improved living conditions. Over 10.3 crore households now have access to clean cooking fuel under the Ujjwala Yojana.

3. Economic Empowerment: Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship

Economic independence is crucial for women’s empowerment. Several government programs have been launched to enhance financial inclusion:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Opened over 30.46 crore bank accounts for women.
• MUDRA and Stand-Up India Schemes: Women-led enterprises account for 69% of MUDRA loans and 84% of Stand-Up India loans.
• Women in Decision-Making: 88.7% of women now participate in household financial decisions.

Women’s employment in armed forces, civil aviation, and startups has increased. Notably, India has a higher percentage of female pilots (15%) than the global average (5%).

4. Digital and Technological Empowerment

Digital inclusion is a priority, with initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s access to technology:

• PMGDISHA (Prime Minister’s Digital Saksharta Abhiyan): Trained 60 million rural citizens, with a significant female presence.
• 67,000 Women Entrepreneurs operate Common Service Centres (CSCs), promoting digital access.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and online financial platforms have strengthened women’s participation in the digital economy.

Ensuring Women’s Safety and Protection

Safety remains a key concern, and the government has implemented strict legal measures, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. Additionally, the Nirbhaya Fund supports initiatives like One Stop Centres (OSCs) for survivors, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS - 112) for immediate assistance, and Safe City Projects to enhance urban security, ensuring a safer environment for women.

Over 14,658 Women Help Desks have been set up at police stations to address gender-based crimes. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, has strengthened legal provisions against sexual offenses and trafficking.

India has made remarkable progress in women’s rights, education, financial inclusion, digital empowerment, and safety through targeted policies and legal reforms. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it is essential to continue fostering an inclusive society where women can thrive in all spheres.

With sustained efforts and policy support, India is paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all women and girls.