WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: INITIATIVES AND IMPACT
WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: INITIATIVES AND IMPACT
1. WHAT IS WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT?
Women-led development is a concept that emphasizes including women as active participants in the economic, social, and political progress of a country. It focuses on empowering women not just as beneficiaries but also as decision-makers, planners, and key contributors to development.
2. HOW DOES WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT DIFFER FROM WOMEN-CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT?
While women-centric development targets women as primary beneficiaries of various programs, women-led development actively involves women in decision-making and leadership roles, enabling them to set the agenda for societal growth.
3. WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN INDIA?
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Provides houses in the name of the woman in the household, enhancing their economic empowerment by making them property owners.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): A skilling initiative that significantly increased the number of women trained, from 42.7% in 2016 to 52.3% in 2024.
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): A scheme focused on skill development, where about 82% of the beneficiaries are women, fostering self-reliance.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): This financial inclusion scheme has led to over 52.3 crore bank accounts, with 55.6% of account holders being women, promoting their financial independence.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Provides clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and underprivileged households, improving health and reducing drudgery for women.
4. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND DECISION-MAKING?
Women play a crucial role in local governance through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and elected bodies. The 106th Constitutional Amendment has further strengthened this by providing legislative reservations for women, enhancing their participation in planning and decision-making at the grassroots level.
5. HOW DOES WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMY?
By involving women in economic activities and leadership, women-led development enhances workforce diversity, fosters innovation, and drives inclusive economic growth, leading to a more equitable society.
6. WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF RESERVATION FOR WOMEN IN POLITICAL BODIES?
Legislative reservations for women, such as those introduced through 106th constitution amendment, ensure that women have a significant voice in political decision-making, helping to shape policies that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
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