Women’s Empowerment Is Not Just a Slogan, but a Collective Responsibility,
From Education to Entrepreneurship, Women Are Shaping the Future of the Nation,
New Delhi, March 10, 2025, A grand event was organized at University today on the occasion of International Women’s Day, where Vijender Gupta, Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, attended as the chief guest. During the event, he addressed the audience, highlighting the achievements of women, their rights, and their vital role in society. He emphasized that women’s empowerment is not just a slogan but a collective responsibility that requires commitment from all sections of society.
Vijender Gupta stressed that no nation can progress without the active participation of women. He described women as the backbone of society and stated that a country cannot be economically or socially strong without ensuring gender equality. Referring to this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” he urged for concrete measures to promote gender equality at a faster pace. He emphasized that this day serves as a reminder to strengthen efforts in ensuring women’s safety, education, employment, and leadership opportunities.
He highlighted that Indian women are breaking barriers in every sector and are no longer confined to traditional roles. Today, women are making remarkable contributions in education, science, sports, entrepreneurship, politics, and defense. He acknowledged that various government initiatives and increasing social awareness have led to a positive transformation in women’s status. Over the years, women’s participation in key sectors has significantly increased, showcasing India’s progress toward gender equality.
Citing key statistics, Shri Gupta pointed out that India’s sex ratio improved from 918 in 2014 to 933 in 2022. Women’s participation in the workforce has also seen significant growth, rising from 23% in 2017-18 to 42% in 2023-24. The number of female officers in the Indian Armed Forces has increased 3.5 times since 2015. Furthermore, 48% of startups in India now have at least one female director, and nearly 50% of STEM graduates in India are women—the highest percentage in the world. These figures reflect the increasing presence and influence of women in all sectors.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker also discussed several key government initiatives that have directly benefited women:
* 56% of accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana belong to women, promoting financial inclusion.
* 70% of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, supporting their business aspirations.
* Over 10 crore women have received free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, improving their health and quality of life.
* More than 4 crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have been allotted solely or jointly in women’s names, ensuring housing security.
* The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill has significantly boosted women’s representation in politics.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Gupta emphasized that granting equal rights to women is not enough; it is equally important to provide them with opportunities to unlock their full potential. He urged for continuous efforts to ensure quality education for girls, financial independence for women, and workplace safety.
He also called upon society to respect and support women in their families, workplaces, and communities. Women’s empowerment is not just a one-day agenda but a continuous commitment that requires sustained efforts. He concluded by stating that if we truly aspire to build a developed India, we must change our mindset and acknowledge that women are equal to men in every aspect.
