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As India joined the celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2025, the rapid strides made by women in India under the inspiring and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is further strengthening the resolve for realising the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’. The attempt to realise the full potential of ‘Nari Shakti’ in the onwards journey of the nation can be seen in the shift from women’s development to women-led development. While introducing a series of transformative policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s social, economic, and political status, their participation in every sector has been ensured through various enabling and empowering schemes. From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship programs to legal reforms and safety measures, these efforts seek to create an environment where women can thrive as leaders, decision-makers, and key contributors to India’s growth story.
As the vision for a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive India guides the nation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has rightly said that his government prioritises both respect and convenience in women’s lives. Apart from launching a large number of schemes, women-centric initiatives like the construction of toilets as ‘Izzat Ghar,’ the opening of Jan Dhan bank accounts for women, free gas connection, piped water to every home, and increasing maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks have enabled and empowered women with boundless opportunities, ensuring their active role in shaping the country’s future. At the same time, introducing strict laws for women’s safety, including 20-year incarceration and the death penalty for rape of
From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship programs to legal reforms and safety measures, these efforts seek to create an environment where women can thrive as leaders, decision-makers, and key contributors to India’s growth story
minors, increasing the legal age of marriage to 21, strict laws on Triple Talaq, and the abolition of Article 35A restoring the rights of women in Jammu & Kashmir have created a safe and secure atmosphere for women across the nation. While ensuring 33% women participation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the permanent commission for women in the armed forces, entry in agniveers in all three wings of the armed forces, and admission in Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy have opened new doors of opportunities for the women, which were hitherto closed to them. The schemes like Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi, along with flagship programs such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti, and Stand-Up India, reflect the government’s commitment to the idea of women-led development as a key pillar of India’s growth story.
India has made significant strides in maternal and child healthcare, leading to improved outcomes for women and children. The significant decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), drop in Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), and rise in women’s life expectancy reflect enhanced healthcare interventions, indicating overall progress in healthcare access and quality. The Union Budget 2025-26, with a record allocation of Rs. 4.49 lakh crore towards gender-specific initiatives, marking a 37% increase from the previous year and around a three times increase in the last ten years, sets the stage for greater financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and employment for women. While under the visionary and inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, BJP-led state governments have launched several initiatives to empower women and enhance their socio-economic status, like Subhadra Yojana, Mahatari Vandan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana, and Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, the Modi government at the centre has taken significant steps to enlarge women’s role in the public sphere, especially in decision-making processes. Today, when women are making every Indian proud by their remarkable achievements in every field, including science, education, sports, politics, administration, health, and entrepreneurship, there is no doubt that the idea of women-led development will pave the path of ‘Viksit Bharat’.