International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, highlights the achievements of women and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality. This year's theme, ‘Embracing Equity,’ emphasises creating a world where women and girls thrive without limitations.
The Indian government plays a vital role in this pursuit through various schemes that empower women and address key challenges they face.
Education and Skill Development
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP): This scheme goes beyond just promoting education. It tackles the societal issue of female infanticide and gender bias, aiming to improve the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) by raising awareness and encouraging families to value and educate their daughters. Additionally, it provides financial incentives for girls' education, including scholarships and conditional cash transfers.
Stand Up India: This initiative recognises the entrepreneurial spirit of women and aims to bridge the gender gap in business ownership. It provides loans, mentorship, and market access to women entrepreneurs, particularly those from underprivileged communities. Stand Up India encourages banks to lend to women-led businesses (Indian Women CEOs React As Female-led Companies In The S&P 500 List Have Outperformed Male-led Ones), increasing access to capital and fostering economic independence.
Skill India Mission: This mission acknowledges the need for employable skills beyond traditional education. It focuses on training women in various sectors like IT, manufacturing, and healthcare, equipping them with industry-specific skills needed to secure jobs or become self-employed. This helps women compete in the workforce and contributes to their economic empowerment.
Safety and Security
One-Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme: These centres offer a safe and supportive environment for women facing violence. They provide a single point of access to various services like medical aid, legal assistance, police assistance, counselling, and shelter. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive care and support, empowering women (Goibibo Breaks Barriers With Empowering Digital Film For Women 'Break The Cage’) to overcome their ordeal and seek justice.
Women Helpline (181): This vital service offers immediate assistance to women in distress 24/7. By dialling 181, women can connect with trained counsellors who provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and information on relevant resources like legal aid and shelters. This readily available helpline empowers women to report violence and access crucial support during emergencies.
Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs): These volunteers act as crucial bridges between women and the police. They raise awareness about safety measures and empower women to know their rights. MPVs also work alongside police in public spaces, fostering a sense of security and encouraging women to report crimes without hesitation.
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Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: This scheme encourages long-term financial planning for girls by offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits on deposits made in a girl's name until she reaches adulthood. This initiative addresses the financial vulnerability girls and women often face and empowers families to invest in their daughters' future.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): This scheme provides access to loans without collateral specifically for micro and small enterprises run by women. This financial support empowers women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and expand their businesses, contributing to their financial independence and economic participation.
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): These centres function as one-stop resources for women, offering information about various government schemes and initiatives relevant to their needs. MSKs connect women with relevant services, training programs, and support systems, empowering them to access opportunities and resources for their overall well-being and development.
These government initiatives represent a significant step towards building a more equitable society for women in India. However, it's crucial to remember that these schemes are most effective when combined with broader societal efforts to address gender inequality and empower women across all spheres of life.
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