This International Women's Day: Let's Get Real About Equality

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). It's a day to acknowledge the incredible achievements of women, past and present, and to call for a future where equality reigns.

                "Until the day she died, my mother continued to fight for the rights of women. She joined all                     the women's movements of the time; she stirred up a lot of revolts. She was a great woman, a great figure. Women today would like her immensely." | Indira Gandhi

• A Look Back, A March Forward
• Why we need women empowerment programs in India
• Govt Schemes for Women Empowerment in India
• Conclusion

A Look Back, A March Forward

The history of International Women's Day is a long and winding road, filled with activism and calls for equality.

Early 1900s: The seeds of International Women's Day were sown in the early 1900s with socialist movements advocating for women's rights. There are conflicting claims about the exact origin date, but some point to a 1909 event in New York City organized by the Socialist Party of America.

1911: International Women's Day gained momentum in 1911.  This year saw a significant gathering in Europe and the famous "Bread and Roses" campaign in the US, highlighting women's need for both economic security and improved working conditions.

World War I Era: The years leading up to World War I saw International Women's Day being used as a platform for peace activism. Women across Europe held rallies against the war, showcasing their global solidarity.

United Nations Recognition: The fight for women's rights continued throughout the 20th century.  In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations officially began commemorating March 8th as International Women's Day. Two years later, the UN General Assembly further solidified the day's importance. Today, IWD focuses on specific themes, giving voice to pressing issues faced by women around the world. 

A Day for Focus and Action:  Today, International Women's Day remains a crucial day for raising awareness about gender equality issues. Each year focuses on a specific theme, bringing attention to areas like access to education, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence towards women.

Why we need women empowerment programs in India

 The status of ladies in India especially in rural areas must address the issue of engaging ladies. Approximately 66% of the female population in provincial range is unutilized. This Can be due to existing social traditions . In horticulture and animal care the ladies contribute 90% of the entire workforce. Women constitute nearly half of the population, perform about 2/3 of its work hours, get 1/10th of the world’s salary and possess less than 1/ 100th the world property. Within the past “Vedas Purana” of Indian culture, ladies were being worshiped such as LAXMI MAA, goddess of riches ; SARSWATI MAA, for intelligence; DURGA MAA for control. Among the world’s 900 million uneducated individuals, 70% of individuals living in destitution are ladies. Lower sex proportion i.e. 933, as it were 10% seats in World Parliament and 6% in National Cabinet are held by ladies. The existing thinks about appear that the ladies are generally less sound than men in spite of the fact that have a place to same course. They constitute less than 1/7th of the directors and troughs in creating nations. Youthful young ladies are considered as a huge burden within the family. Assault cases are increasing within the cutting edge times which drive us to require an initiative about the security of the female population.

Govt Schemes for Women Empowerment in India

1.Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)  

2. Mahila Samakhya being implemented in about 9000 villages.  

3. (Aajeevika) and the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY). 

4. Scheme for Gender Budgeting (XI Plan).  

5. SIDBI’s Mahila Udyam Nidhi Mahila Vikas Nidhi. 

6. NGO’s Credit Schemes.   

7. Crèches/ Day care centre for the children of working and ailing mother.   

8. National  Mission for Empowerment of Women.  

9. Rastria Mahila Kosh (RMK) 1992-1993  

10. Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescence Girls (RGSEAG) (2010). 

11. Swalamban.   

12. Support to Training  and Employment Programme for Women(STEP). 

 13. Integrated Child Protection scheme (ICPS) (2009-2010).   

14. Swadhar.  

15. Swayasjdha.   

16. National Banks for Agriculture and Rural Development’s Schemes 

 17. Khadi and Village Industries Commission. 

 18. Hostels  for working women.   

19. Ujjawala (2007).   

20. Working Women’s Forum  

 21. Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) October,1993.  

 22. Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).  

23. Swa Shakti Group.      

 24. Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme for Children of Working Mothers.   

25. Short Stay Homes.  

 26. Women’s Development Corporation Scheme (WDCS).  

 27. Indira Mahila Yojana (IMY) 199517.  

28. Dhanalakahmi  (2008).   

29. Women Entrepreneur Development programme given top priority in 1997-98. 

 30. Mahila Samiti Yojana.  

31. SBI’s Sree Shaki Scheme. 

 32. Indira Mahila Yojana (IMY) 199517. 

33. Indira Mahila Kendra.  

34. Training of Rural Youth  for Self Employment (TRYSEM).  

35. Indira Priyadarahini Yojana. 

 36. Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY).

 37. Beti padao beti bacho yojana.  

conclusion

As India strives to become a global leader, empowering its women is not just a moral imperative, it's a strategic necessity. With women constituting over half of India's population, their untapped potential represents a powerhouse for growth and development. Women's empowerment programs tailored to address the specific challenges faced by Indian women, like access to education, skill development, and financial independence, are crucial for unlocking this potential.

By dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality, we can create a level playing field where women can contribute their full talents and abilities across all sectors. This will not only lead to a more just and equitable society, but also fuel India's economic and social progress. Let this International Women's Day be a call to action. Let us support initiatives that empower women, challenge discriminatory practices, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Indian women who are already making a difference. Together, we can build a brighter future where every woman in India has the opportunity to thrive.