What does \u2018women\u2019s safety\u2019 truly mean? Is it about physical protection or does it include creating an environment where women can pursue opportunities, explore their potential and, in wider terms, their \u2018lives\u2019, without fear of consequences? Over the years, the narratives around women’s empowerment have evolved alongside changes brought into our social lives through globalisation, technology and changing ideologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting from the fight for voting rights to the push for equal representation in workspaces, women empowerment has seen many shifts. Yet, one major question remains\u2013 Are women genuinely empowered? Are they safe to navigate the many complexities of society?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In India, women have historically been regarded as reflections of goddesses, but that\u2019s where the reverence seems to stop in the lived experiences of girls and women in our country. They have faced numerous challenges, including practices like sati<\/em>, early child marriages, lack of education<\/a> and access to healthcare. Through great struggle and perseverance of many changemakers, women\u2019s empowerment emerged as a fundamental vision in Indian society, granting women constitutional equality and opportunities to build lives on their own terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, we must ask\u2013 Are all women in India enjoying this privilege or should we call them \u2018rights\u2019 in their private and professional lives? Do they all have the freedom and safety to make their own choices?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of 2024, recent statistics from the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development reveal that roughly 86% of women in India have received at least a primary education<\/a>, with around 48% completing secondary education or higher. Regarding employment, about 22% of women aged 15 and older are part of the workforce. Access to quality healthcare services stands at roughly 60%, although this access varies significantly between urban and rural areas. These figures illustrate both progress and the ongoing challenges women face in education, employment and healthcare in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Indian women are participating in both organised and unorganised sectors, a significant gender gap persists. The female labour force participation rate increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23. In contrast, the male participation rate rose from 75.8% to 78.5% during the same period. The gap becomes even more visible in pay gaps wherein men are still paid substantially more for the equal amount of work that women do too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given this context, we must consider creating safe spaces for women in India. If a woman does not hold equal status in society\u2014 through education, health<\/a> and financial stability\u2014she cannot be regarded as a strong individual in our society\u2013 which is often patriarchal and where the earning member holds the most respect and power in terms of real decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Indian government is making significant efforts to empower women through initiatives focused on comprehensive education, quality reproductive health, nutrition and sustainable livelihood<\/a> opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Programmes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao<\/em>, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana<\/em> and the CBSE Udaan Scheme aim to support the educational development of young girls and women. Health initiatives likeSurakshit Matritva Aashwassan (SUMAN), LaQshya <\/em>and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)<\/em> are designed to provide a safety net of education and health services, for women to develop the skills necessary at workplaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, financial programmes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana<\/em>, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana<\/em> and Mahila Shakti Kendra<\/em> empower women with financial assistance and literacy, equipping them to manage their businesses, savings and investments for a secure financial future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Smile Foundation, with our commitment towards implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the belief that \u2018no one should be left behind\u2019, we work closely with underserved communities in India, particularly focusing on the education, reproductive health and livelihood opportunities for women and youth in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through programmes like Swabhiman<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Project Manzil, we support the learning journeys of young girls with vocational skills, while our engineering scholarships for girls reach thousands of women each year for they to receive the opportunities and support needed to stand on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Government Initiatives for Women\u2019s Empowerment with Smile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Smile\u2019s Interventions for Empowering Women<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n