March 20, 2025
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“The strength of a nation lies in the empowerment of its women. Our government is dedicated to creating an environment where women can thrive, lead, and contribute to nation-building.” – Narendra Modi
Introduction
“Empowering Viksit Bharat: Embracing Gender Equality for Inclusive Growth” encapsulates the essence of India’s journey towards holistic development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gender equality lies at the core of this transformative agenda, recognizing that inclusive growth can only be achieved when all segments of society are empowered. This paradigm shift towards gender equality encompasses not just economic opportunities but also social and political inclusion, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and marginalized groups are given equal access to resources, opportunities, and rights. By fostering an environment of equal treatment, dignity, and respect, India paves the way for sustainable and inclusive growth, where every individual can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
Gender Equality: The prominence in Viksit Bharat
Gender equality transcends rhetoric to become a cornerstone in the holistic development of a nation. In the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, where India aims for comprehensive growth encompassing economic, social, and cultural dimensions, gender equality stands as an indispensable principle. Empowering women and eradicating gender-based discrimination are pivotal in unlocking the nation’s full potential.
Empowering women and eliminating gender-based discrimination are not just moral imperatives but strategic imperatives essential to unlocking the nation’s full potential. When women are empowered, societies thrive economically, socially, and culturally. They contribute meaningfully to the workforce, enhance decision-making processes, and nurture future generations. Moreover, gender equality fosters a more just and inclusive society, where every individual, regardless of gender, can contribute and prosper.
Therefore, in the pursuit of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ensuring gender equality isn’t merely an aspiration but a critical pathway to achieving sustainable and inclusive development for all.
Driving Social Change: Utilizing CSR to Promote Gender Equality and Empower Vulnerable Groups
Clause iii of Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013 emphasizes the promotion of gender equality, the empowerment of women, and the establishment of homes and hostels for women and orphans. It also includes setting up old age homes, day care centers, and other facilities for senior citizens, as well as measures to reduce inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups. Companies can leverage this provision to drive their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by implementing programs that support these objectives. By focusing on gender equality, companies can create initiatives that empower women through education, skill development, and employment opportunities. Establishing safe homes and hostels for women and orphans can provide much-needed support and security, while setting up facilities for senior citizens ensures their well-being and inclusion in society. Additionally, addressing the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged groups can help reduce inequalities and promote inclusive growth. By aligning their CSR efforts with these goals, companies can make significant contributions to social development and create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Sustainable Development Goal – 5
Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), aiming for gender equality and empowering all women and girls, emerged as a critical global agenda to address longstanding inequalities and empower half of the world’s population. It came into prominence through a recognition that achieving sustainable development requires the full and equal participation of women in economic, social, and political spheres. Gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but also essential for economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development overall. By ensuring women’s access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and leadership roles, SDG 5 seeks to break barriers that have historically marginalized women and girls. It calls for ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women, promoting equal rights to resources and representation, and fostering environments where women can thrive and contribute fully to society. As a cornerstone of the broader sustainable development agenda, SDG 5 underscores the imperative to create inclusive and equitable societies where everyone, regardless of gender, can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity
In the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims at achieving gender equality, consideration of the intrinsic link to Quality Education is a must. In many rural areas, schools often provide education only up to the 8th grade, creating a significant barrier for higher education. This challenge is particularly acute for girls, who face a higher dropout ratio due to the necessity of traveling long distances for further schooling.
Government Initiatives – Indian Context
In the Indian context, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign, launched in 2015, addresses the declining child sex ratio and promotes the education of girls through coordinated efforts between various ministries and grassroots organizations. The Ujjwala Scheme, introduced in 2016, provides free LPG connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) households, aiming to reduce health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods and improve the quality of life. The Women Helpline (WHL) is a national initiative that offers 24/7 emergency response and support services to women affected by violence, providing immediate assistance and guidance. The Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) aims to enhance the skills of women, enabling them to secure better employment opportunities and become economically independent. Additionally, the National Scheme for Incentive to Girl Child for Secondary Education encourages the education of girls by providing financial incentives to promote secondary education, reducing dropout rates, and ensuring that girls have equal access to educational opportunities. These initiatives collectively contribute to the broader goal of gender equality and women’s empowerment in India, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Long road ahead
The journey towards achieving gender equality in India, while marked by significant strides, still faces numerous challenges that require sustained effort and innovative approaches. Despite the government’s initiatives and legislative reforms, there remains a long road ahead to attain true gender parity.
Firstly, addressing deeply ingrained societal norms and cultural practices that perpetuate gender discrimination is crucial. Patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes continue to limit women’s opportunities and rights, particularly in rural and conservative areas. Comprehensive awareness campaigns and community engagement are essential to challenge and transform these mindsets.
Secondly, improving access to quality education for girls remains a priority. While enrollment rates have improved, dropout rates among girls, especially in secondary and higher education, are still concerning. Ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment, along with financial incentives and scholarship programs, can help retain more girls in schools.
Economic empowerment is another critical area. Women’s participation in the labor force remains significantly lower than that of men, often due to a lack of skills, discriminatory hiring practices, and inadequate support systems like childcare. Promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, and equal employment opportunities, along with enforcing workplace rights, can boost women’s economic participation.
Lastly, tackling gender-based violence is paramount. Implementing stringent laws, providing support services for survivors, and ensuring swift justice can help in creating a safer environment for women.
The road to gender equality in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, civil society, private sector, and communities. By addressing these challenges through sustained efforts and collaboration, India can move closer to achieving true gender equality.
Conclusion
Gender equality is not merely an imperative but a strategic requirement for Viksit Bharat. By empowering women and promoting gender equality, India can unleash the full potential of its human capital, drive economic growth, and foster social cohesion. As the nation pursues its vision of development, reaffirming commitment to constructing a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the journey of Viksit Bharat.
As Swami Vivekananda aptly stated, ‘There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing.’
Together, let’s strive towards a future where gender equality is not a distant dream but a lived reality for all, and where Viksit Bharat embodies the aspirations and accomplishments of every citizen, irrespective of gender.
This article has been published on Taxmann. The link for the same