Twelve Notable Government Initiatives Focused on Empowering Women
India, a land rich in culture and tradition, has always been a society where women play a significant role. However, they remain the most vulnerable section, often facing numerous challenges. To address these issues, the Government of India has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality.
One such program is the SWADHAR Greh, which offers social, economic, and health security, housing, food, and clothing to empower women and help them reintegrate into society. The government plans to construct 920 Mahila Shakti Kendras to reach the 115 most underdeveloped and backward districts. These Kendras aim to offer convergent support services at one location, including healthcare, education, jobs, and counselling.
The government's commitment to women's empowerment extends beyond these programs. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) & Skill India focus on skill development and vocational training for women to enhance employability and economic empowerment in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and services. WISE-KIRAN, on the other hand, encourages and supports girls and women in STEM fields, promoting gender equality in education and employment.
In an effort to empower minority communities, the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan scheme offers skill development, entrepreneurship training, and leadership development specifically for minority women. State-specific initiatives, such as the Uttar Pradesh Nari Shakti Drive, provide financial assistance for education and health milestones and boost women’s economic independence.
Legal and policy measures have been strengthened to protect women, including the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act (2013) and Domestic Violence Act (2005). Institutional development, including the renaming of the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development, reflects a renewed commitment to women’s welfare.
The Ujjawala scheme, introduced in 2007, aims to stop the trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation, provide rehabilitation services, and eliminate sexual exploitation of children and women for commercial gain. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Program, introduced in 2015, aims to ensure the survival, protection, and education of girl children and addresses issues related to the decline in the gender ratio.
To combat violence against women, the One Stop Centre Scheme provides services such as legal aid and emergency medical services. Sakhi Niwas offers integrated services under one roof, including temporary housing, legal counsel, and medical care. The Women Helpline Scheme provides round-the-clock emergency assistance to women who have experienced abuse in either public or private spaces.
The online selling effort, which allows women entrepreneurs to promote their products using just a cellphone and internet connection, has been instrumental in the "Made in India" campaign. The Annapurna Scheme, a central government loan scheme for women-owned food catering businesses, provides loans up to Rs. 50,000 with a 36-month repayment period.
Recent initiatives include the digital literacy and online safety program "We Think Digital", launched by Facebook and the Ministry for Women and Child Development on November 19, 2019. This program aims to empower women and children in India with digital skills and online safety knowledge.
These programs collectively aim to enhance women’s education, economic participation, leadership capacity, legal protection, and overall social empowerment across India. The government's comprehensive approach to women's empowerment is a step towards ensuring economic security and social respect for women in India.
- The SWADHAR Greh program, a government initiative, provides healthcare services alongside social, economic, and housing support to promote the health-and-wellness of women in India.
- WISE-KIRAN, another government initiative, encourages and supports girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to foster health-and-wellness and contribute to the science sector.
