PM Modi Highlights Women's Role in Transforming India on International Women's Day
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that as India continues its journey of progress, the aspirations and contributions of women will play a pivotal role in steering the nation towards strength and prosperity.
He emphasized how women are challenging traditional stereotypes by pursuing careers that were once deemed "off-limits for women".
"The remarkable accomplishments of India's Nari Shakti serve as a source of pride and a significant reminder of their crucial role in nation-building. With India's advancement, the aspirations and contributions of women will be instrumental in our collective journey toward a robust and flourishing country," PM Modi expressed in a message on X.
He also retweeted a thread from MyGovIndia, the official X account of the Indian government, highlighting how women have begun to embrace professions previously thought of as unsuitable for them.
"Today, women throughout India are pushing the envelope, excelling in sectors such as defense, science, entrepreneurship, governance, and innovation. Observe how the perceptions surrounding women's roles are transforming across various industries," the post remarked.
"The notion that defense is a male-only domain is rapidly dissipating. Women are now assuming roles in India's armed forces and defense institutions, demonstrating that courage, leadership, and commitment are not confined by gender," it continued.
Once viewed as a "male domain", the aviation sector is now witnessing women taking the helm across the nation, with India boasting one of the highest percentages of female commercial pilots globally, thus setting a strong example for gender representation in aviation.
"The factory environment is shedding outdated stereotypes. Women are increasingly joining India’s industrial workforce, contributing significantly across sectors that bolster the country’s infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities," it noted.
The government also highlighted that women are at the forefront of innovation in research labs, engineering teams, and space missions, expanding India’s scientific horizons.
"Previous assumptions claimed that business leadership was not suited for women. However, today’s landscape reveals a surge of women entrepreneurs in India's startup ecosystem, turning aspirations into enterprises that foster innovation and growth," it added.
In a separate thread, MyGovIndia underscored how, for decades, societal perceptions and constraints shaped the narrative around Indian women, but a new reality is emerging where they are claiming their rightful place in every sphere of progress, from science and technology to entrepreneurship, defense, and public service.
"This transformation embodies PM Narendra Modi’s vision, where women’s development transcends mere assistance and focuses on enabling leadership and cultivating an environment where women can spearhead India’s growth narrative," it concluded.
According to the report, over 10.5 crore connections have been established under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, facilitating women's access to cleaner cooking fuel and promoting better health outcomes. Furthermore, more than 12 crore toilets have been constructed as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
Over 28 crore women now hold accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Additionally, approximately 72 percent of the houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin are either solely or jointly owned by women.
The government also noted that around 2 lakh women-led micro and small enterprises have secured orders exceeding Rs 80,000 crore through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). More than 3 crore women have benefited from the Lakhpati Didi Yojana.
Moreover, nearly 14.5 lakh women are currently serving as elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, making up 46 percent of all members and providing women with a significant voice in local governance.