PM Modi: NDA Redefined Women-Led Development in 11 Years, Cites Key Schemes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the NDA government has redefined women-led development over its 11 years in power. He highlighted women's excellence in sectors like science, sports, and armed forces. Modi cited welfare schemes like Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ujjwala Yojana, MUDRA loans, PM Awas Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao as empowering women, noting declines in maternal mortality and increased tap water connections and cooking gas access.
Unpacked:
Notable improvements include a decline in maternal mortality rate, increased female literacy rates, and more girls attending school. Investments in targeted health and education schemes, as well as increased access to sanitation and clean water, have contributed to better outcomes for women and girls.
While female labor force participation has risen slightly, it remains low compared to global averages—about 24–37%. Despite more women graduating in STEM and higher education, their formal workforce participation and roles in STEM jobs remain limited, illustrating a persistent ‘leaky pipeline.’
Key challenges include workplace safety, persistent gender norms, limited opportunities for higher education and formal employment, and gaps in digital access. Despite legal protections, workplace harassment remains a significant barrier, and the drop-off from education to employment continues to limit women's economic impact.
Schemes like Swachh Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jan Dhan have improved access to sanitation, clean cooking fuel, and financial services, leading to better health, safety, and economic independence for women. These programs are credited with making daily life easier and supporting greater participation in public and economic spheres.