11-March-2025-Editorial

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY & WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to acknowledge women’s contributions in different fields and advocate for gender equality. The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), a major global commitment to women’s rights. This day serves as a reminder to address challenges such as workplace inequality, gender-based violence, and political representation.

International Women’s Day (IWD)

• International Women’s Day highlights women’s achievements and promotes gender equality.
• It focuses on social, economic, and political rights for women across the world.
• The 2025 theme is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

History

• The idea was first proposed by Clara Zetkin, a German activist, leading to the first celebration in 1911 in the USA and Europe.
• The United Nations (UN) officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975.

Purpose

• Raises awareness about gender disparities and the need for equal opportunities.
• Encourages governments and organizations to implement policies for women’s welfare.
• Discusses important topics such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and leadership opportunities.

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

• Adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China (1995).
• A key blueprint for women’s rights and gender equality worldwide.
• India is a signatory to this agreement.

Key Focus Areas

• It identified 12 critical areas needing immediate action for gender equality.
• The strategy focuses on legal rights, education, health, and leadership roles for women.

Beijing+30 (1995-2025) Action Plan

• Marks the 30th anniversary of BPfA, evaluating its impact.
• Focuses on six main areas to promote gender equality and economic empowerment.

Current Status of Women in India

Maternal Health

• Institutional deliveries increased to 95%, reducing maternal mortality from 130 to 97 per 100,000 births (2014-2020).
• Modern contraceptive usage among married women is 56.5%, ensuring better reproductive health choices.

Education & Skill Development

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has improved the sex ratio (1020 females per 1000 males, NFHS-5) and increased female school enrollment by 28% since 2014-15.
• Vigyan Jyoti (2020) promotes STEM education for girls, especially in underrepresented regions.

Financial Inclusion

• 100 million women have gained financial independence through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• 35 million rural women have been trained in digital literacy under PMGDISHA.
• Gender-responsive budgeting in 2025-26 stands at 8.8% (USD 55.2 billion) for gender-focused programs.

Gender-Based Violence & Legal Support

• 770 One Stop Centres provide medical, legal, and psychological support to victims.
• Odisha’s blockchain system ensures secure, fast, and confidential survivor support.

Political Representation

• The Women’s Reservation Act (2023) guarantees 33% legislative seats for women.
• India leads globally with 1.4 million women in local governance.

Women in Science & Technology

• GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) supports women in STEM fields.
• G20 TechEquity platform trains young women in emerging technologies.

Challenges to Women Empowerment

1. Political Underrepresentation

• Women hold only 27% of parliamentary seats, 36% in local government, and 28% in management roles.

2. Gender-Based Violence

• Though 88% of countries have laws against violence, conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50% since 2022.
• 95% of victims are women and girls.

3. Workplace Discrimination

• 61% of working-age women are employed, compared to 91% of men.
• Women earn only 51% of men’s income, widening inequality.

4. Unpaid Care Work

• Women spend 2.3 times more time on unpaid household work than men.
• By 2050, this gap is expected to persist, limiting women’s career growth.

5. Barriers in Education & Food Security

• 110 million girls may remain out of school by 2030.
• 24% of women and girls may face food insecurity by 2030.

6. Legal Barriers

• 28 countries deny women equal rights in marriage and divorce.
• 67 nations lack legal protections against gender discrimination (UN Women Report).

Way Forward

1. Gender-Responsive Budgeting

• Increase funding for women’s education, health, financial independence, and social security.
• Strengthen monitoring systems to ensure impact.

2. Strengthening Legal Protections

• Remove discriminatory laws related to marriage, divorce, property, and labor.
• Improve law enforcement and survivor support through One Stop Centres.

3. Economic Empowerment

• Ensure equal land, credit, and resource access for women farmers.
• Support Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women entrepreneurs with financial training and loans.

4. Reducing Workplace Inequality

• Promote flexible work policies, parental leave, and childcare facilities to increase women’s workforce participation.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that gender equality is crucial for social and economic progress. While India has made significant improvements in health, education, and financial inclusion, challenges remain. Strengthening legal frameworks, economic opportunities, and social support systems can pave the way for a more equal society.