"Naari Shakti," translating to "women power" in Hindi, embodies the strength, resilience, and empowerment of women in India. This term underscores the pivotal role women play in shaping society, driving economic growth, and fostering cultural development.
Women empowerment is necessary for many important reasons—social, economic, political, and cultural.
1. Equality and Human Rights
Every person, regardless of gender, deserves equal rights and opportunities. Empowering women means ensuring that all women have the same opportunities to succeed, whether it’s in the workplace, education, or in their personal lives. It is about fostering a sense of justice and fairness—making sure that women are not only treated as equals but are given the same opportunities as men to grow and excel in all areas of society.
2. Education and Awareness
When women are educated and empowered, they are more likely to pass on the same values of learning and empowerment to their families. Educated women play a critical role in raising educated children, thus improving literacy levels and societal awareness. Moreover, their education helps break the cycle of poverty, especially in underprivileged areas, where access to education can be limited. The knowledge they gain enables them to advocate for better resources and opportunities, transforming entire communities for the better.
3. Economic Growth
The participation of women in the workforce is a vital engine for economic development. Research consistently shows that economies grow stronger when women are included in leadership roles and decision-making processes. When women have access to the same job opportunities and are represented in high-level positions, businesses and entire economies tend to perform better. Their contributions lead to greater diversity in problem-solving, innovative solutions, and ultimately, a more robust economy that benefits everyone.
4. Better Health and Well-being
Empowered women are more likely to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families, improving overall well-being. This empowerment can lead to reduced maternal and child mortality rates as well as increased access to essential healthcare services. Women with the resources and knowledge to make informed decisions about their health are more likely to seek preventive care and provide better care for their children, contributing to healthier future generations.
5. Stronger Democracies
When women participate in the political process, they bring a range of perspectives and ideas that may otherwise be overlooked. Empowered women are more likely to engage in politics and take on leadership roles, shaping policies that affect their communities and the nation as a whole. A diverse political environment, one where women are equally represented, tends to create more inclusive and balanced policies, which is essential for building a fairer society for all.
6. Breaking Stereotypes and Injustice
Women empowerment actively challenges long-standing stereotypes, societal discrimination, and gender-based violence. It allows women to live with dignity, to make decisions that affect their own lives, and to stand up against injustice. Through empowerment, women can break free from traditional roles and expectations, leading to a society that values gender equality and human rights for everyone, regardless of gender.
Perspectives on Naari Shakti
Women across India interpret "Naari Shakti" in diverse ways:
- Mamta Devi, a cook in Gurugram, emphasizes the importance of leading by example for her daughters. Despite facing many challenges, she demonstrates resilience and independence, teaching her children the value of strength and perseverance.
- Rema Rajeshwari, an IPS officer, views "Naari Shakti" as a way to redefine representation and challenge limiting societal norms. She is inspired by the unwavering support she has received from the women in her life and is determined to create more opportunities for women to rise and thrive.
- Sukriti Chauhan, a lawyer and public health professional, associates "Naari Shakti" withstanding up for one’s rights and combating discrimination, both within the household and in society. She believes that empowering women means giving them the tools to challenge inequality and push for justice at every level.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has launched various initiatives to promote women's empowerment:
POSHAN Abhiyaan
Launched on March 8, 2018, this initiative aims to create a malnutrition-free India by focusing on the health and well-being of women and children. Through this mission, the government has set out to improve nutrition levels across the nation, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that women and children are healthy and strong.
Maternity Benefit Amendment Act
This amendment extended paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, recognizing the importance of maternal health and the welfare of both the mother and the child. By allowing women more time to recover and care for their newborns, this law contributes to their overall well-being and promotes a healthy family environment.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G)
This scheme has ensured that over 72% of homes are either solely or jointly owned by women, empowering them financially and granting them greater control over their living conditions and economic decisions.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Launched in May 2016, this initiative provides clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural households, reducing exposure to harmful indoor air pollution. This not only improves women’s health but also saves time and effort by eliminating the need to gather firewood, thus allowing women to focus on other productive tasks.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
- Objective: To promote education and the survival of the girl child.
- Benefits: The initiative has led to widespread awareness campaigns and improvements in the child sex ratio, while also ensuring better access to education for the girl child, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Stand Up India
- Objective: To promote entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
- Benefits: The scheme offers bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to women entrepreneurs, helping them set up their own enterprises and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
Udaan (by CBSE)
- Objective: To support the transition of girls from school to engineering colleges.
- Benefits: Through this initiative, girls from classes 11 and 12 gain free access to online resources, mentoring, and tutorials, equipping them with the necessary tools to excel in engineering fields.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Objective: To provide financial aid to pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Benefits: This scheme provides ₹5,000 in three instalments for the first live birth, ensuring that new mothers have financial support to care for their newborns.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
- Objective: To promote institutional deliveries in order to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
- Benefits: Women who deliver in hospitals receive cash assistance, incentivizing institutional births and improving maternal and child health.
Mahila Shakti Kendra
- Objective: To empower rural women through community participation.
- Benefits: The initiative provides skills development programs, digital literacy training, and health and nutrition information, helping women improve their lives and contribute to their communities.
One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi Centres)
- Benefits: These centres offer comprehensive support services to women, including medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter, all under one roof.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
- Objective: To encourage savings for the girl child.
- Benefits: The scheme offers a high-interest savings account for girls under 10 years of age and provides tax benefits, ensuring that parents can build a secure future for their daughters.
MUDRA Yojana (for Women Entrepreneurs)
- Objective: To provide small loans to women entrepreneurs.
- Benefits: The scheme offers collateral-free loans under three categories—Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun—enabling women to start and expand their own businesses.
Challenges and Critiques
While "Naari Shakti" is widely celebrated, there are critiques that highlight the need for concrete action beyond slogans. Discussions emphasize that true empowerment requires systemic changes, including addressing economic disparities, educational barriers, and political underrepresentation of women. For women to be truly empowered, structural changes are needed across all sectors of society.
Conclusion
"Naari Shakti" encapsulates the essence of women's empowerment in India, reflecting both historical reverence and contemporary efforts to promote gender equality. By recognizing and addressing the multifaceted challenges women face, society can move towards a more inclusive and equitable future where the true potential of "Naari Shakti" is realized.