International Women’s Day

Syllabus: GS1/Society

Context

• Prime Minister reiterates commitment for Women Empowerment on International Women’s Day.

About

• Every Year International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th March.
  • Vladimir Lenin declared March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1922 to recognise the women’s role in the 1917 Russian Revolution.
  • It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977.
• The themes for 2025 include:
  • United Nations (UN) Theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,”.
  • Official IWD Theme: “Accelerate Action.”
• The year 2025 commemorates 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 
  • This agreement remains one of the most comprehensive frameworks for advancing women’s and girls’ rights globally. 

Legal Framework for Women Empowerment in India

• The Indian Constitution guarantees gender equality through provisions in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex. 
  • Article 51(a)(e) encourages citizens to renounce practices derogatory to women’s dignity. 
  • The Directive Principles, particularly Articles 39 and 42, emphasize equal livelihood opportunities, equal pay, and maternity relief.

Challenges Faced by Women

• Gender Discrimination: Persistent cultural biases and stereotypes that limit opportunities for women in various sectors.
• Lack of Access to Education: Limited access to quality education, especially in rural areas, affecting girls’ future opportunities.
• Economic Inequality: Women often face wage gaps, limited job opportunities, and unequal financial independence.
• Safety and Security: High rates of gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and trafficking.
• Health and Reproductive Rights: Limited access to healthcare, reproductive rights, and maternal health services.
• Child Marriage: Prevalence of child marriage, particularly in rural areas, which affects women’s health, education, and autonomy.
• Political Representation: Underrepresentation in political offices and decision-making roles.
• Social Norms and Expectations: Rigid societal roles that limit women’s freedom and opportunities for self-expression and growth.
• Workplace Harassment: Gender-based harassment and lack of proper support structures in workplaces.

India is a signatory to international treaties such as:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966).
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979).
• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995).
• United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2003).
• Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Achievements in India:

• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, seeks to reserve one-third of the total number of seats for women in Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.
• The National Sex Ratio improved to 1020 for the first time (National Family Health Survey -5). 
• Paid maternity leave increased to 26 weeks.
• 3.2 Crore Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana accounts.
• 72% women ownership under PM Awas Yojana Gramin.
• MMR to 97/lakh live births in 2018-20 from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16.
• Abolition of Triple Talaq empowering Muslim women.
• Permanent commission granted to Women Officers in 12 Arms and Services.
• Entry of women as Agniveers commenced in all the three Services.
• 43% of STEM graduates in India are women which is highest in the world.

Government Initiatives

• Mission Shakti is a women empowerment programme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) for the period 2021-2025.
  • It aims to strengthen interventions for women’s welfare, safety, and empowerment, making women equal partners in nation-building.
• Initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana have also contributed to significant improvements in the welfare and empowerment of women and girls. 
• The Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programmes focus on improving women’s health beyond just calorie intake and improving overall health and immunity with proper micronutrients.
• The Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE KIRAN) program has supported nearly 1,962 women scientists from 2018 to 2023.
• Nari Shakti Puraskar: Recognizes the contributions of women in various fields, celebrating achievements and inspiring others.
• Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Provides for 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for women working in the private sector and government.

Source: IE