Page 3 - Women Empowerment

NDA govt redefined women-led development in last 11 years: PM Modi

A day before his government marks its first anniversary in third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has redefined women-led development in its 11 years in power. In all sectors, including science, education, sports, start ups and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people, Modi said on X. He cited a number of welfare programmes which, he noted, have benefitted women immensely. Various initiatives, from ensuring dignity through Swachh Bharat to financial inclusion via Jan Dhan accounts, the focus has been on empowering the women, he said. If 'Ujjwala Yojana' brought smoke-free kitchens running on gas cylinders to the poor households, 'MUDRA' loans enabled lakhs of women entrepreneurs to pursue dreams on their own terms. Houses under the women's name in PM Awas Yojana too have made a remarkable impact, he added. 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (save daughter, educate daughter) programme ignited a .

Women-led development under PM Modi transforming India: Uttarakhand CM

Chief Minister said that this change was possible not only by schemes but by the faith of a public leader who believes that India will develop only when the daughters of the country are empowered

Over 2,200 Ladki Bahin beneficiaries found to be govt employees: Minister

Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare has said that more than 2,200 beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana were found to be government employees during scrutiny. In a post on X on Friday, Tatkare said verification of beneficiaries will be a regular process. After scrutinising nearly 2 lakh applications, 2,289 government employees were found to be the beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana. After realising this, such beneficiaries are not being given the benefit of the scheme, the Women and Child Development Minister said. Tatkare said the government is committed to ensuring that only eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and will continue to scrutinise applications for this. Ahead of the November 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls, the Mahayuti government in the state launched the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in August last year, under which eligible women in the age group of 21-65 years are entitled to a monthly ...

NCW launches Yashoda AI: First-of-its-kind AI literacy drive for women

/ -- To advance women's AI literacy and digital awareness across India, the launch of Yashoda AIYour AI SAKHI for Shaping Horizons with Digital Awareness took place at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, on May 22, 2025. This initiative is a key step toward empowering women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan stands as India's pioneering nationwide effort to empower womenespecially from rural and semi-urban communitieswith essential skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety. More than just a training initiative, this campaign is designed to spark a transformation: it equips women with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world with confidence, fostering digital literacy, safety, and self-reliance. The program goes beyond traditional learning by hosting in-depth discussions on critical issues such as ...

Close aides see Pope Leo XIV as reformer on women's roles but with limits

Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms of Pope Francis' pontificate by having women serve on the Vatican board that vets nominations for bishops. But he also has said decisively that women cannot be ordained as priests, and despite having worked for years in Peru where women often lead church communities, seems noncommittal on whether women could ever serve in any ministerial capacity. Nevertheless, the women who have worked closely with Prevost in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. In interviews with The Associated Press, they say they expect that as pope, Leo will continue to promote women in church governance positions, albeit with limits. Maria Lia Zervino was among the three women Francis appointed to the Dicastery for Bishops in 2022 to review possible appointments. It was a job previously held by cardinals and bishops, an old boy's club that has ..

Woman leaving job for child care not voluntary desertion of work: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court has held a woman leaving her job to take care of her child as a single parent wasn't voluntary desertion of work and she was entitled to alimony. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in an order on May 13 said the situation could be viewed as a consequence of the paramount duty to look after the child. The court, as a result, refused to set aside a trial court's order granting interim maintenance to a woman and her minor son. The husband challenged the trial court's October 2023 order asking him to pay a monthly maintenance of Rs 7,500 each to his estranged wife and child. The high court, however, directed the man to continue paying the same monthly sum to the woman and pay Rs 4,500 monthly towards his child. "It is well settled that the responsibility of caregiving to a minor child falls disproportionately upon the parent with custody, often limiting their ability to pursue full-time employment, especially in cases where there is no family support to take care of the

FPOs empower women in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, boost financial stability

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have transformed lives and provided financial stability to women in rural areas of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar who once earned meagre wages as farm labourers. Women of Karmad, who until a few years ago received Rs 200-300 in daily wages after toiling away in farms, now earn up to Rs 2,000 per day working at drying and processing units under FPOs. Besides empowering women in the area, FPOs have also cut losses incurred by farmers when excess produce flooded the markets, forcing them to destroy some of it. Drying units for onions and corn have come up in the Karmad area, around 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, in the last couple of years, and they are part of a supply chain for hotels and food processing companies. Talking to PTI, Padmaja Vedpathak, who works with three other women in her corn processing unit, said, "We work seven days a week and earn around Rs 2,000 a day by processing three tonnes of corn daily. I used to earn Rs 300 a d

'Don't lower their morale in current situation': SC on women Army officers

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre not to release from service Short Service Commission women Army officers challenging the denial of permanent commission to them asking not to "bring their morale down" in "the prevailing situation". A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh which posted a batch of pleas filed by 69 officers for hearing in August, said they should not be released till the next hearing. "In the prevailing situation let's not bring their morale down. They are brilliant officers, you can use their services somewhere else. This is not the time that they be asked to roam around in the Supreme Court. They have a better place to be and serve the country," Justice Kant said. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, said it was an administrative decision based on a policy to keep the armed forces young. She urged the top court not to grant any stay on their release and said the Indian Army needed young officers and every ye

SC praised Col Sofiya Qureshi when granting PC to women in Indian Army

While ruling in favour of granting Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers in the Indian Army, the Supreme Court in 2020 had acknowledged the achievements of Colonel Sofia Qureshi, one of the two women officers who briefed the media on 'Operation Sindoor' on Wednesday. In its February 17, 2020, judgement, the top court said that absolute exclusion of women from all positions, except staff assignments, in the Army was indefensible and their blanket non-consideration for command appointments without any justification cannot be sustained in law. The apex court, which allowed Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers in the Army, said an absolute prohibition of women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers to obtain anything but staff appointments evidently did not fulfil the purpose of granting PC as a means of career advancement in the Army. The top court also referred to the distinctions achieved by women officers, and put out an example of Col Qureshi's achievements. "Lieuten

Less than 1,000 women in senior police roles: India Justice Report 2025

India's police force has less than 1,000 women in senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police, with 90 per cent of all women in policing serving in the constabulary, according to a new report. The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025, initiated by Tata Trusts and supported by several civil society organisations and data partners, tracked the performance of states across four areas Police, Judiciary, Prisons and Legal Aid. According to the report, despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The IJR 2025, released on Tuesday, ranked Karnataka as the top-performing state among the 18 large and mid-sized states in terms of justice delivery, maintaining its position from 2022. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu followed Karnataka, with the five southern states outperforming others due to better diversity, ...

Omega Seiki Mobility to give women drivers pink e-autos at lower prices

Electric vehicle maker Omega Seiki Mobility on Thursday said it will provide women drivers with 2,500 specially-designed pink auto rickshaws on lower prices pan-India in a phased manner. The scheme, as part of the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, was rolled out on Wednesday in the national capital, benefitting 500 women drivers. These drivers will also get 1 per cent subsidy on interest on vehicle financing from a leading state-run lender, Omega Seiki Mobility said. The company said it has collaborated with Delhi-based not-for-profit organisation Nari Shakti. "Our partnership with Naari Shakti is more than just a CSR initiative. It's a step toward social transformation. By enabling women to take the driver's seat, literally and metaphorically, we're not just offering them a vehicle, we're offering a path to independence, dignity, and opportunity," said Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman of Omega Seiki Mobility. In the coming months, the scheme will be ...

Women hold 39.2% of bank accounts in India, 42.2% in rural areas: Mospi

Women own 39.2 per cent of bank accounts in the country and the proportion is even higher at 42.2 per cent in rural areas, according to a government report. The Statistics and Programme Implementation Ministry (MoSPI) released the 26th edition of its publication titled Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data on Sunday. The publication offers a comprehensive overview of the gender landscape in India, presenting selected indicators and data across key areas like population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making, all sourced from various Ministries/ Departments/Organizations. A MOSPI statement said that the report highlights that women own 39.2 per cent of all bank accounts and contribute to 39.7 per cent of total deposits. Their participation is the highest in rural areas, where they make up 42.2 per cent of account holders. It stated that there is a rise in DEMAT accounts over the years, indicating growing participation in the stock market

Maiyan Samman Yojana in J'khand extended for non-Aadhaar beneficiaries

Beneficiaries who have not linked their bank accounts to Aadhaar will continue to get Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana (JMMSY) assistance till March 31, an official said. A meeting of the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, decided to extend the deadline till March from December 31, she said. "The cabinet has approved a partial amendment in the implementation of the Maiyan Samman Yojana. Following this amendment, women applicants whose single bank accounts are not linked to Aadhaar will receive monetary assistance until March. After March, the amount will only be provided to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts," Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel said. The state government provides Rs 2,500 per month to women between 18 and 50 years under the JMMSY. Many beneficiaries were deprived of the assistance since January for failing to link their accounts with Aadhaar. The cabinet cleared a total of 16 proposals during the meeting. Among them was the Jharkhand Micro, S

30% of law officers representing govts should be women: Justice Nagarathna

Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna on Saturday hailed the reservation for women in gram panchayats and asserted that at least 30 per cent of law officers representing the Union and state governments must be women. Justice Nagarathna called for the elevation of competent women advocates as high court judges in order to have greater diversity on the bench. If male advocates under 45 years can be appointed to HCs, then why not competent women counterparts, the apex court judge questioned while addressing a seminar on 'Breaking Glass Ceiling: Women Who Made It' organized here by Mumbai University. "To successfully break the glass ceiling, we must not let girls and women of tomorrow be conditioned to the anachronistic lens of gender-roles and virtues. There is no virtue for success that is exclusive to men and lacks in women," she said while pointing out that younger women lack role models and mentors to inspire, encourage and help them to navigate through and succeed in the legal

When Zambia replicated Bihar's programme to give bicycles to school girls

The Zambian programme was launched in 2009, three years after the Bihar initiative to empower schoolgirls (2006) and with similar objectives

Govt will decide soon: Haryana minister on ₹2,100 monthly aid to women

The issue of providing Rs 2,100 monthly assistance to women under 'Lado Lakshmi Yojana' is under consideration and the Haryana government will decide on it soon, state minister Krishan Kumar Bedi informed the Assembly on Tuesday. Ahead of the October 2024 Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP had promised to provide the amount to women each month if it returned to power. During the Question Hour in the Assembly, Congress MLA Pooja sought to know from the government the time by which the monthly assistance is likely to be disbursed to the women of the state. In his reply, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Krishan Kumar Bedi referred to the BJP's poll promise and said, "It is under consideration and the government will take a decision on this soon," Bedi informed the House. Asking a supplementary question, the Congress MLA said, "I am surprised that this kind of reply is being given in the House. Is this the seriousness of the government?" "During the polls, this was the BJP's firs

Progcap offers collateral-free loans of Rs 10 lakh to women-led MSMEs

MSME-focused fintech Progcap on Tuesday said it has launched a programme to offer collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to women-led small and medium enterprises in the next three years. The fintech, which is backed by Peak XV (previously Sequoia Capital India), Google and Tiger Capital, among others, seeks to empower 10,000 women-led MSMEs in semi-urban and rural India by FY27, Progcap said in a statement. "Progcap has introduced ProgShakti Development Program, wherein women entrepreneurs can access loans of up to Rs 10 lakh and get certified through capacity-building knowledge sessions helping them grow their businesses," it said. Aligned with the government's 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047 and the goal of increasing women's workforce participation to 70 per cent, Progcap's initiative offers customised credit to women-led enterprises and eliminates the need for a male co-applicant while assessing the creditworthiness, Progcap said. Founded by Pallavi Shrivastava and Himanshu

India reaffirms commitment to gender equality at UNCSW session in New York

A delegation from the Government of India, led by Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Annpurna Devi, participated in discussions at the global forum

Grand Sita Mata temple to be built, symbolising women's power: Amit Shah

Union Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hailed the people of Mithilanchal and Bihar for contributing to the development of Gujarat and said the area had a history of empowering democracy and philosophy from ancient times.Addressing the 'Shashwat Mithila Mahotsav 2025' event here, he also promised that a grand temple of Sita Mata will be built."When I went to Bihar during the Lok Sabha elections, I had said Ram Mandir has been built, now it is the turn to build a grand temple of Sita Mata. The temple will give a message of woman power to the whole world and how life should be ideal in every way," he said. "The people from Mithilanchal and Bihar who have settled in Gujarat have contributed significantly to its growth," he said while assuring them they were safe, respected and welcome in the state. The land of Mithila has been a land of intellectuals from the times of Ramayan and Mahabharat, with the ancient kingdom of Videha being the mother of democracy. "Mahatma Buddha had said many ...

Modern workplaces weren't designed for mothers, now is the time for change

A recent survey from the United States found that two-thirds of mothers considered leaving the workforce in 2024 due to the stress and cost of child care