Women are not only the light of the house but also the flame that keeps that light burning
Today, girls are achieving educational attainment on a par with boys in higher education and skill development, with more than 50% of young women completing Class 12 and 26% earning college degrees. Young women are increasingly focusing on professional qualifications, driven by a variety of career options and the availability of digital skills platforms. Initiatives such as the Skill India Mission and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) for Girls India have significantly increased the participation of young women in technical subjects. Today, women have greater freedom than ever before. Freed from social constraints, they are taking charge of their own future. Despite facing many struggles and challenges, women are achieving remarkable success.
Over the past ten years, there has been a significant shift in the goals and ambitions of young Indian women, reflecting their growing independence, educational attainment, and participation in the workforce. This shift is significantly transforming India’s social fabric. Today, girls are achieving educational levels equal to boys in higher education and skill development, with over 50% completing Class 12 and 26% earning a college degree. The National Sample Survey points to an increasing trend of women’s enrollment in higher education, with the female gross enrollment ratio rising to 27.3%. Young women are now placing greater emphasis on their professional goals, driven by access to diverse career opportunities and digital skills training. Initiatives such as the Skill India Mission and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for Girls India have increased the participation of young women in technical fields. The average age at marriage has increased from 18.3 years in 2005 to 22 years in 2021, with many young women choosing partners based on compatibility.
A report suggests that 52% of women now have the right to choose their partners, up from 42% in 2012. Many women are also achieving economic independence, particularly through entrepreneurship, which is supported by government initiatives for women-led startups. For example, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform by Niti Aayog has created a network of over 10,000 women entrepreneurs. Young women are becoming more active in politics, with greater participation in self-help groups and local governance. Membership of self-help groups among rural women is expected to increase from 10% in 2012 to 18% in 2022. These emerging aspirations are challenging traditional social norms and structures. As more women are entering the workforce, traditional gender roles in households are changing. The MNREGA program ensures equal pay for men and women, which impacts rural family dynamics. With increased education and income, young women are gaining greater influence over financial and social decisions within their families. Self-help groups have empowered rural women to collectively manage household finances.
Indian women embody energy, vision, vibrancy, and a strong commitment to overcoming challenges. As beautifully expressed by India’s first Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, women are not just the light of the home but also the flame that kindles that light. Throughout history, women have inspired humanity, from Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi to India’s first female teacher, Savitribai Phule, who have exemplified transformational change in society. India is taking significant steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to create a better world for all by 2030.
A key focus of these goals is to promote gender equality and empower women. Currently, there is an emphasis on ensuring women’s participation in critical areas such as management, environmental protection, and inclusive economic and social development. Women’s inherent leadership qualities are invaluable to society. As American religious leader Brigham Young wisely observed, educating a man benefits an individual, but educating a woman benefits an entire generation. Through Self Help Groups (SHGs), women are not only uplifting themselves but also strengthening our economy.
With continued financial support from the government, their role in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative is growing day by day. The women’s self-help group movement has gained significant momentum in the last 6-7 years, with 7 million groups now active across the country. Recognizing the power of women will take us to new heights of achievement. Let us support their progress and success. Let ‘Amrit Kaal’ be a time dedicated to the comprehensive empowerment of women. The rising aspirations of young Indian women are reshaping India’s social landscape, creating a society where gender equality and women empowerment are the norm. Implementing supportive policies can accelerate this transformation, leading to a more inclusive and empowered future. Today, women have greater freedom than ever before. Freed from social constraints, they are taking charge of their own future. Despite facing many struggles and challenges, women are achieving remarkable success. They are no longer seen as the weaker sex. Given equal opportunities, women can chart their own path. However, accessing these opportunities remains a major barrier.
When women are financially independent, they do not tolerate any kind of violence. Every individual has an important role to play in improving the status of women in society. Since society is made up of individuals, collective efforts at every level can bring meaningful change. When everyone starts respecting women, the overall situation will improve.
