Empowerment of India’s Women with Strong Policies

India has seen significant progress in women’s participation across various sectors, from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and sports to governance and entrepreneurship. Today, women make up nearly 43% of STEM graduates, contributing to the country’s growing technical workforce. Government-led policies have transformed women’s access to sanitation, clean water, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship; the focus now should be on sustaining the momentum.

Relevance

GS-1: Society :Women Empowerment, Social Issues
GS-2: Governance & Welfare Schemes :Gender Policies, Financial Inclusion
GS-3: Economy & Science & Tech :Entrepreneurship, Digital Access

Key Highlights

Sanitation & Clean Water Missions

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM) improved hygiene, dignity, and health for 116 million households.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) increased tap water access from 17% to 74.7%, reducing women’s burden in rural areas.

Women-led Businesses & Financial Inclusion

Women-led businesses, financial inclusion India’s economic transformation is increasingly being shaped by women entrepreneurs and financial inclusion initiatives, reflecting broader shifts in digital access, policy support, and economic empowerment.

Over 73,000 startups with at least one female director have been recognised under the Startup India Initiative, highlighting a growing presence of women in business leadership.

Government-backed financing programmes, such as the Stand-Up India Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, have played a key role in this expansion.

The Stand-Up India Scheme has sanctioned over ₹53,609 crore in loans for 236,000 entrepreneurs, while Mudra Yojana has sanctioned ₹32.36 lakh crore for 51.41 crore loans, with 68% of the loans going to women.

The rapid expansion of digital connectivity is also enabling greater financial inclusion.

Initiatives such as BharatNet and the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) have brought high-speed Internet to 199,000 villages and 2,14,000 gram panchayats, with over 2,47,000 Wi-Fi hotspots established.

These digital advancements are giving women greater access to banking services, e-commerce platforms, and business opportunities.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than 300 million bank accounts have been opened for women, fostering financial independence and economic participation.

Digital Access & Financial Growth

BharatNet & PM-Wi-Fi Access Network Interface expanded internet to 99,000 villages, enhancing women’s access to banking, e-commerce, and education.
PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) provided 300 million women with bank accounts, promoting financial independence.

Women in Leadership & STEM Fields

Elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 46% are women, impacting rural governance.
Women in STEM: 43% of India’s STEM graduates are female, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Analysis & Way Forward

Bold policy measures in sanitation, finance, and digital access empower women economically.
Future focus: Strengthen women’s leadership roles, promote STEM education, and ensure greater financial inclusion.
Sustainable empowerment requires continued investments in digital and economic policies.

Mains Mock Question

“Critically examine the role of government policies in promoting women’s empowerment in India. Suggest measures to enhance their participation in governance and the economy.”