Empowering Women: A Key to India's Development by 2047

Women-Led Startups on the Rise

New Delhi, July 19: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that approximately 76,000 startups in India are led by women, with a significant number emerging from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

He emphasized that the journey towards India becoming a developed nation by 2047 will be significantly driven by the empowerment of women and youth, a vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on women-led development.

During a conference, Dr. Singh highlighted that the Modi administration has structured its governance around four essential pillars: the underprivileged, farmers, youth, and women over the past 11 years.

He noted that governance centered on women has not only empowered individuals but has also transformed societal structures. What started as targeted welfare initiatives has now progressed into institutional leadership.

At the event, the minister introduced the Jeevika E-Learning Management System App, designed to enhance learning opportunities for women, and released a publication titled Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar, which honors women's contributions to the development of Bihar.

Phased Approach to Women Empowerment

Dr. Singh elaborated on the comprehensive strategy of the Modi government towards women's empowerment, which is structured around four pivotal phases.

The initial phase, Access and Inclusion in Institutions, marked a significant transformation in India's educational and military sectors. The second phase, Scientific and Technological Empowerment, has facilitated women's advancement through initiatives like WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions), CURIE, and the Women Scientist Programme.

The third phase, Economic and Social Empowerment, has greatly increased women's access to financial resources. More than 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been established for women, with over 60% of Mudra Yojana beneficiaries being women entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the establishment of over 3 crore Lakhpati Didis through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is revitalizing rural economies. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, homes registered in women's names are not only providing shelter but also enhancing financial and social dignity.

The fourth phase, Workplace Reforms and Legal Sensitivity, has introduced inclusive governance measures, including six months of paid childcare leave for women in government roles, pension rights for unmarried or divorced dependent daughters, and maternity leave provisions even in cases of stillbirths.