Women Empowerment Schemes: How Indian Government Is Bridging The Gender Gap

Women empowerment does not only mean helping a woman earn. It also refers to means of accessibility at every stage of life so that a girl grows to become an independent woman. “India will not fully develop unless both girls and boys are equally supported to reach their full potential,” stated a UNICEF report.

Hence, women empowerment schemes in India have been designed to bridge the gender gap in studies, safety, child domestic work, sexual abuse, child marriage and violence. Here are a few that you must know about.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme aims to protect a girl child from sex-selective abortion. Under this, the government of India also promotes ‘Save Girl Child’ and ‘Educate Girl Child’.

In 2021, the Parliamentary Committee on the Empowerment of Women said in Lok Sabha that 78.91% of funds for the scheme were exhausted on ads meant to inform people of it.

SWADHAR Greh

This scheme was launched in 2018 and supports women who have no economic and social support. Under this, victims of natural disasters, women released from jail and victims of human trafficking and domestic violence are provided with food, shelter, medical treatment and clothing.

Under this scheme, women can also avail of legal assistance. Another part of it offers vocational training to women through the Skill Development Initiative (SDI) of the Ministry of Labour Employment or Ministry of Skill Development. It is also mandated for these shelter homes to have recreational facilities.

Support To Training And Employment Programme For Women (STEP)

Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women scheme strives to train women and help them become entrepreneurs if they wish to be. It was brought into force in 1986-87. It caters to 16-years old and above women.

NGOs can claim grants under this scheme and use the fund for skill training to increase the chances of employment for women. Beneficiaries can get trained in embroidery, agriculture, handlooms, handicrafts, computer services, tailoring, etc. The scheme also includes training for soft skill development.

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Mahila E-Haat

Mahila E-Haat scheme is for all those women who want to start their business. It offers an online platform for women to market their products and services. The scheme was launched in 2016 under ‘Digital India’ and ‘Stand Up India’ initiatives.

E-Haat online requires numbers of beneficiaries along with a description, cost, and photographs of the products. It provides the buyer with an option to reach the seller via email, physical contact or telephonic conversation.

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NIRBHAYA

After the Nirbhaya gang rape case of 2012, this scheme was brought into force and funds were relieved to implement strict rules and improve the safety of women in India. The Department of Economic Affairs releases the funds and, the Women and Child Development Ministry takes care of the expenditures.

The non-lapsable corpus fund helps victims of sexual violence by offering them integrated services, including medical aid, police facilitation, psycho-social counselling and legal support.