NEW DELHI, MARCH 06, 2025: International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on 8th March. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements across national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political boundaries. The theme of International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and an inclusive future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.
Further, the year 2025 is a pivotal moment as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document is the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide, transforming the women’s rights agenda in terms of legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, and change in social norms, stereotypes, and ideas stuck in the past.
In India, the government has been actively working towards women’s empowerment and gender equality through various policies, schemes, and legislative measures. The country is witnessing a transition from women’s development to women-led development, ensuring equal participation in national progress. Women are playing a crucial role in shaping India’s socioeconomic landscape, breaking barriers in education, health, digital inclusion, and leadership roles.
On March 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged women across India to share their inspiring life journeys on the NaMo App Open Forum ahead of International Women’s Day. He praised the remarkable stories already submitted, highlighting the resilience and achievements of women from different walks of life. As a special initiative, he announced that selected women would take over his social media accounts on March 8 to amplify their voices and experiences. This initiative aims to celebrate women’s contributions and inspire others by showcasing their journey of empowerment, perseverance, and success.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Indian Constitution guarantees gender equality through provisions in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex. Article 51(a)(e) encourages citizens to renounce practices derogatory to women’s dignity. The Directive Principles, particularly Articles 39 and 42, emphasize equal livelihood opportunities, equal pay, and maternity relief.
India is a signatory to international treaties such as:
- 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 is the key to women’s empowerment and economic independence. India has undertaken several initiatives to ensure that girls have equal access to quality education, from primary schooling to higher education. Gender parity in education has improved significantly, with female enrolment surpassing male enrolment in recent years.
Education:
- Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, ensures schools are within reach for all children.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Focuses on improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls’ education.
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Supports school infrastructure and girl-friendly facilities.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritizes gender equity and inclusion in education.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Promote quality education for tribal girls
- Female Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has overtaken Male GER since 2017-18.
- Female enrollment in higher education: 2.07 crore (2021-22), which is nearly 50% of the total number of 4.33 crore.
- The female-to-100-male faculty ratio has also improved to 77 in 2021-22 from 63 in 2014-15.
- Women in STEM: 42.57% (41.9 lakh) of total STEM enrolment.
- STEM Initiatives:
- Vigyan Jyoti (2020) promotes STEM education for girls in underrepresented areas.
- Overseas Fellowship Scheme supports women scientists in global research opportunities.
- National Digital Library, SWAYAM, and SWAYAM PRABHA ensure access to online learning.
- Over 10 lakh girl students benefitted under various scholarships for STEM fields.
- Skill Development Initiatives:
- Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Women Industrial Training Institutes provide vocational and technical training to women.
- Women Technology Parks (WTPs) serve as hubs for training and capacity building.
- Health and Nutrition
Access to healthcare services is crucial for improving the well-being of women and reducing gender-based health disparities. The government has introduced several policies to ensure maternal and child health, nutrition, and medical support for women across all sections of society.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers, with ₹17,362 crore disbursed to 3.81 crore women, as of January 2025.
