- The principle of gender equality is enshrined within the Constitution of India which guarantees gender equality and empowers the State to formulate affirmative action in favour of women.
- The Government of India has taken various steps to ensure empowerment of women through their social, educational, economic and political uplifting through various schematic interventions. While the schemes implemented by the Government like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban & Rural), the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Pradhan Mantri Vyay Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) support women and girls to be socially secure, the initiatives like Samagra Shiksha, Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship, Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojna, Swacch Vidyalaya Mission, etc. ensure that schools are girl-friendly especially for vulnerable sections of society and have adequate facilities in place to fulfil their special requirements.
- Further, the National Policy of Women, 2016 prioritises gender equity and envisions ensuring equitable access to quality life to all Women, with a special emphasis on socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). In the year 2016, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) developed a draft of the National Policy for Women. This policy was intended to create a vision for the empowerment of women in India. This was an update from the previous National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (NPEW) that was put into effect in 2001, almost fifteen years prior.
About the National Policy for Women
- The National Policy for Empowerment of Women is a comprehensive framework formulated by the Government of India. This aims to address the challenges and promote the welfare of women in the country. It aims to ensure gender equality, eliminate discrimination, and empower women across various sectors of society.
Background
- The Constitution of India strongly advocates for the rights and equality of women. It includes provisions for affirmative actions in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Duties.
- India is also a signatory to several UN Conventions, including the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Beijing Platform for Action, and Convention on Rights of the Child. These conventions highlight India’s commitment to the protection and empowerment of women and girls.
- India’s recent endorsement of the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to address critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and violence against women. This is crucial for the global success of these goals.
Objectives of the National Policy for Women
- To promote the economic, social, and political empowerment of women.
- To eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
- To ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for women.
- To enhance women’s participation and leadership in decision-making processes.
- To promote gender-sensitive legislation and policies.
- To create a safe and conducive environment for women to thrive.
- To strengthen institutional mechanisms for the protection and promotion of women’s rights.