President Murmu and PM Modi Stress Women's Empowerment on International Women's Day
On International Women's Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a powerful address, asserting that true development can only be achieved by ensuring equal participation of women, who make up nearly half of India's population. She spoke at an event organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in New Delhi, calling for a societal mindset shift to overcome persistent obstacles.
Challenges and the Need for Societal Change
President Murmu acknowledged that while women are excelling in various fields and significant efforts have been made to empower them, many barriers remain. She highlighted critical issues such as discrimination, unequal pay for equal work, and domestic violence, which continue to affect women's lives. "These challenges cannot be addressed solely through legislation. A shift in societal mindset is essential," Murmu emphasized, urging an end to gender-based discrimination in homes and society at large.
She stressed that treating every child equally, without discrimination between daughters and sons, is fundamental. "Only when we move beyond the mindset of gender-based discrimination can we truly establish equality in society," the President stated, reinforcing the importance of cultural transformation alongside policy measures.
Progress and Achievements in Women-Led Development
Reflecting on India's advancements, Murmu noted that the country is rapidly moving towards women-led development. Over the past decade, strong foundations have been laid to remove barriers for women. Key achievements include:
- Gender parity in school education, with equal opportunities for girls and boys.
- Higher female Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, indicating increased access to advanced learning.
- Rising participation in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), preparing women for leadership roles in the knowledge economy.
- Women emerging as job creators, with more than half of start-ups supported under the Start-up India scheme having at least one woman director.
Murmu also pointed out that recent labour codes aim to create a more inclusive, safe, and empowering work environment for women workers. "In an environment free from fear and discrimination, women can contribute their best towards nation-building," she said, calling on all citizens to pledge to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
PM Modi's Commitment to Women's Empowerment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that women's empowerment is at the core of the government's various schemes and initiatives. He shared a thread from "MyGovIndia," the government's citizen engagement platform, showcasing milestones and measures taken for women's empowerment.
Modi stated, "A glimpse of how the lives of women have been transformed at the grassroots over the past decade..." He praised women for shaping India's progress with determination, creativity, and zeal across every field. "Their achievements inspire our nation and strengthen our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat," he added.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating opportunities that enable every woman to realize her full potential and contribute to India's development journey. "The achievements of India's Nari Shakti are a source of pride and a powerful reminder of the transformative role in nation building," Modi said, highlighting that as India progresses, women's aspirations and contributions will continue to guide the nation towards strength and prosperity.
Both leaders' messages underscore a unified vision for gender equality, blending policy achievements with a call for ongoing societal change to foster an inclusive and empowered India.
