Context: International Women’s Day, observed every year on 8 March, celebrates women’s achievements and calls for accelerated gender equality. The first observances took place in Europe in 1911, and the United Nations officially recognised the day in 1977.
The 2026 theme – “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” highlights the need to dismantle structural barriers to equality. In India, policy discourse has shifted from “development for women” to “women-led development”, positioning Nari Shakti as a key driver of the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
India’s Key Initiatives for Women-Led Development
1. Gender Budgeting
The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹5.01 lakh crore (9.37% of total expenditure) towards programmes promoting women’s empowerment, reflecting the government’s commitment to gender-responsive policymaking.
2. Strengthening Women’s Rights
The 106th Constitutional Amendment (Women’s Reservation Act, 2023) reserves 33% seats in Parliament and State legislatures for women, enhancing their political representation. In addition, legal reforms such as the criminalisation of instant Triple Talaq aim to safeguard women’s dignity and rights.
3. Rural Economic Empowerment
Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), more than 10 crore women have been mobilised into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The programme has also enabled over 3 crore women to become “Lakhpati Didis”, earning sustainable annual incomes of at least ₹1 lakh.
4. Technology and Innovation
The NaMo Drone Didi Scheme provides 15,000 SHGs with agricultural drones with 80% subsidy, enabling women to participate in precision agriculture and modern rural enterprises.
5. Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
Women account for 68% of loans under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, while the Stand-Up India scheme has supported over 2 lakh women entrepreneurs in establishing greenfield enterprises.
6. Education and Savings for Girls
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has mobilised approximately ₹3.33 lakh crore in savings, promoting long-term financial security and supporting girls’ education.
Key Achievements in Women’s Empowerment
Grassroots Leadership: Women constitute nearly 50% of representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, strengthening democratic participation.
Educational Advancement: Female tertiary enrolment reached 2.18 crore with a GER of 30.2, while women form 53% of UGC-NET JRF scholars in STEM disciplines.
Maternal Health Improvements: Initiatives such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) reduced India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio from 130 to 88.
Financial and Skill Inclusion: Women hold 56% of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts and constitute 45% of beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) training programmes.
Leadership Milestones: In 2025, the first women cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy, reflecting expanding opportunities in defence and scientific sectors, including leadership roles in ISRO research programmes.
Conclusion
India’s transition towards women-led development marks a paradigm shift in governance. By strengthening women’s participation in politics, education, entrepreneurship, and technology, the country is harnessing the transformative potential of Nari Shakti. Sustained investment in gender equality will be crucial for achieving inclusive growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
