Context
- The 1995 Beijing Declaration set a global roadmap for women’s equality across 12 critical areas. India’s progress reflects policy efforts, grassroots movements, and women’s resilience.
Key Achievements in Women’s Health and Education
- Maternal health: Institutional deliveries increased to 95%, and maternal mortality dropped to 97 per 1,00,000 births (2014-2020).
- Contraceptive use: 56.5% of married women now use modern contraceptives.
- Education advancements:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) improved child sex ratios and girls’ school enrollments.
- National Education Policy 2020 enhanced retention and STEM opportunities for women.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
- National Rural and Urban Livelihood Missions linked 100 million women to financial networks via self-help groups.
- Digital inclusion:
- UPI and digital transactions have boosted women’s financial independence.
- 35 million rural women trained under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan.
- Gender-responsive budgeting: Share in national budget increased from 6.8% (2024-25) to 8.8% (2025-26), totaling $55.2 billion.
Challenges: Gender-Based Violence
- 770 One Stop Centres provide medical, legal, and psychological support to survivors.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 enhances legal protections for women’s safety.
- Innovative solutions:
- Odisha’s blockchain-based support system ensures confidentiality for survivors.
- UN-Rajasthan Police partnership strengthens gender-responsive policing.
Women’s Leadership and Representation
- Young women leading change in climate action, digital entrepreneurship, and STEM (GATI project, G20 TechEquity).
- The Women’s Reservation Bill guarantees 33% legislative representation, empowering 1.5 million women leaders in governance.
The Road Ahead
- The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration underscores gender equality as a global imperative.
- Strengthening collaborations, young women’s leadership, and systemic reforms is key to further progress.
- India’s women-led development model is setting a global benchmark for inclusive and sustainable growth.