Page 147 - Sanidhya 2025

Women Empowerment

Where We Stand vs The Road Ahead

Since time immemorial, we have spoken about
empowering women, yet a significant gap persists
between our intentions and reality. The first step towards Adiba Ansari
change is acknowledging that even today, women often S/o Sh. Amirul Hasan Ansari
DIG, RTC Latur, Maharashtra
do not have the same access to resources and
opportunities.

Today, India’s female literacy rate stands at 70.3%, an equal voice within households is empowered as well. It
compared to 84.7% for men. In STEM, women occupy only can be as simple as ensuring a girl child receives the same
14% of positions in research and technology sectors. The encouragement in studies, the same respect within the
female labour force participation remains low at 25.4%, family, and equal opportunities to pursue her dreams
reflecting economic and social barriers. In healthcare, India without gender-based discrimination.
has a maternal mortality rate of 97 per 100,000 live births,
indicating the need for strengthened healthcare and
nutrition systems. Despite forming nearly half the
population, women contribute only around 18% to India’s
GDP, highlighting the untapped potential we must address.

Groundwork is in progress. The Government of India has
launched key initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,
Mahila Shakti Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana
Yojana, Stand Up India, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to
bridge these gaps and build sustainable support systems
for women. Globally, initiatives like UN Women’s
“HeForShe” and UNESCO’s girls’ education programs Empowering women is neither solely a man’s responsibility,
reflect international commitment to women’s nor should it rest only on women to fight for their rights. It
empowerment and equality. is a collective duty. Empowered, aware people must help
those less fortunate, challenge and dismantle gender
Despite challenges, women in India continue to break stereotypes within their circles. Change begins from within
barriers and inspire change. In arts and culture, figures like our homes and hearts, regardless of how many policies or
Lata Mangeshkar and Sudha Murthy have shaped national articles advocate for it.
pride. In STEM, Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the ‘Missile
Woman of India,’ demonstrates that scientific excellence
knows no gender. In business, Indra Nooyi and Kiran
Mazumdar-Shaw exemplify leadership, while in sports, PV
Sindhu and Mithali Raj continue to inspire millions. Although we have had countless policies, initiatives, time
and again we come across awareness campaigns, or even
These examples prove that women are equally capable articles, like the one you are reading right now. No tangible
and talented. However, a visible gap in numbers remains, change shall be seen until we make it our personal agenda
reflecting the societal and structural barriers yet to be to acknowledge and uplift women around us. True
addressed. empowerment extends beyond government programs and
campaigns. It begins when we actively make choices at
True empowerment goes beyond high-profile success home and create change in our personal attitude. Only
stories. A woman who can stand against domestic then will we live in a world where gender is nothing but a
violence, has the right to financial independence, and has tiny detail in everyone’s story.