Women’s empowerment is an important issue for national progress and economic growth. Empowering women means giving them equal opportunities to participate in the social, political, and economic spheres of society. Women-led development refers to an approach that prioritizes the participation of women in the development process.
This involves empowering women by providing them with education, training, and access to resources, thereby enabling them to contribute to the economic growth of the country. This article will explore the concept of women-led development, its importance for national progress, and how policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment can lead to economic growth.
Women-led Development: An Approach towards National Progress
Women-led development is an approach that seeks to empower women by placing them at the forefront of the development process. This approach recognizes that women’s participation is essential for sustainable development and that their contribution is critical to achieving national progress. By promoting women’s empowerment, the approach aims to enhance women’s economic, social, and political power, enabling them to participate fully in the development process.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of women-led development during a virtual address at the post-budget webinar on Economic Empowerment of Women. Mr. Modi stated that the country is moving ahead with the vision of women-led development, and with continuous focus on women’s empowerment, the country has moved from the approach of women development to women-led development in the past nine years. He emphasized that women’s participation is increasing in every field and that they are leading in several sectors.
Empowering Women for Economic Growth and Development
Empowering women is essential for economic growth and development. A report by McKinsey Global Institute suggests that gender parity in the labor force could increase the global GDP by $12 trillion by 2025 (McKinsey & Company, 2015). This highlights the potential economic benefits of increased women’s participation in the workforce.
In India, several policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment have been implemented. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign is aimed at improving the declining sex ratio and promoting education and empowerment of girls. Similarly, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana scheme promotes the welfare of the girl child by providing financial support and investment opportunities for their education and marriage.
These policies and initiatives have led to an increase in women’s participation in the workforce and leadership positions. According to a report by Grant Thornton International Business Report, India has the second-highest proportion of women in senior management positions globally, with 39% of senior management roles held by women (Grant Thornton International Business Report, 2021). This highlights the potential benefits of women-led development for economic growth and development.
Importance of Women’s Participation in Various Fields
Women’s participation in various fields is essential for national progress and economic growth. The participation of women in politics, business, and entrepreneurship can lead to more diverse perspectives and ideas, which can ultimately lead to more inclusive and effective policies and decisions.
In India, the participation of women in politics has been increasing. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, India ranks 20th in the world in terms of women’s representation in the lower house of parliament, with women comprising 22.5% of the total number of members (Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2021). Similarly, women’s participation in entrepreneurship has also been increasing. According to a report by Bain & Company, India has seen a 50% increase in the number of women-led businesses in the last five years (Bain & Company, 2021). This highlights the potential benefits of women’s participation in various fields for economic growth and development.
Policies and Initiatives Aimed at Promoting Women’s Empowerment
Several policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment have been implemented in India. These initiatives include the Mahila e-Haat, which is an online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs to promote their products, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission, which provides women with training and resources to start their own businesses. Additionally, the Skill India program aims to provide skill training to women and improve their employability.
Furthermore, the government has introduced policies aimed at providing better access to healthcare, education, and sanitation for women. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers, and the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to provide access to clean toilets and sanitation facilities.
Overall, these policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment have led to an increase in women’s participation in various fields and positions of leadership. This has the potential to lead to more inclusive and effective policies and decisions, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, women-led development is an approach that prioritizes women’s participation in the development process. Empowering women is essential for national progress and economic growth, as it enables them to contribute to the economy and society. Policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, such as education and training, access to resources, and better healthcare and sanitation facilities, have led to an increase in women’s participation in various fields and leadership positions. This has the potential to lead to more diverse perspectives and ideas, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.