In the context of International Women’s Day on March 8, it is pertinent to note that India is making notable strides in empowering women, with government policies playing a crucial role in transforming women’s access to sanitation, clean water, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives, paired with broader social and economic changes, are reshaping women’s roles in governance, in the workforce, and community leadership across the country.
On sanitation and clean water missions
The journey towards women’s empowerment in India took a significant step forward with the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), an initiative that was aimed not just at building toilets but also at improving the dignity, the safety and the well-being of women across the country. The mission focused on ending open defecation, especially in rural areas, where women faced heightened risks and challenges. According to government data, over 116 million households have benefited from the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), leading to safer, healthier environments and giving women greater freedom and security in their daily lives.
In Rourkela, the Maa Tarini Self-Help Group (SHG) took the initiative to address the sanitation needs of leprosy patients, a marginalised group often excluded from such efforts. By constructing community toilets with enhanced water supply, they provided a safer space for women, improved menstrual hygiene, and promoted dignity. The initiative also incorporated composting activities, generating income for the community while supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Building on the SBM’s success, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was introduced to ensure that every household had access to safe and reliable drinking water. Prior to the mission, only 17% of India’s rural households had tap water connections, leading to long hours spent by women fetching water — time that could have been used for education, work, or other pursuits. With the JJM, over 150 million households now have tap water, helping to lighten the daily burdens that women face.
The benefits extend far beyond convenience. Studies show that access to water has led to a 7.4% increase in women’s participation in agriculture and allied work, particularly in States such as Bihar and Jharkhand, where female labour force participation was historically low. Between 2017 and 2023, rural female participation in the workforce jumped from 24.6% to 41.5%, with the JJM cited as a key driver of this positive change. By freeing women from the daily chore of water collection, this initiative is unlocking new opportunities for economic independence and helping local economies thrive.
India’s efforts in empowering women through targeted policies and initiatives are not just improving daily life. They are also creating a foundation for future progress. With continued focus on accessible resources, financial inclusion, and breaking down social barriers, India is paving the way for a generation of women to lead and succeed in every area of life.
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.
Women-led enterprises are also making inroads into e-commerce and government procurement. On the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, women entrepreneurs now make up 8% of the total seller base, with over 1,00,000 Udyam-verified micro and small enterprises (MSEs) securing contracts worth ₹46,615 crore.
Digital platforms are proving to be game changers for small-scale women entrepreneurs. Reena Kirar, an entrepreneur from Madhya Pradesh, runs the Girja Devi Jan Kalyan Samiti, a self-help group producing clothing, food products, and household goods. By leveraging the GeM portal, her business expanded beyond local markets, illustrating how technology is bridging the gap between small enterprises and national opportunities.
As India’s economy continues to grow, women-led businesses are playing an increasingly significant role, not just in entrepreneurship but also in reshaping the country’s economic landscape.
Women’s representation in governance
The representation of women in political decision-making has significantly increased over the years. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed significant reform, i.e., the implementation of a 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, which will redefine the corridors of power. Today, women are not merely participants. They are key decision-makers, steering the nation toward a more inclusive future.
At the grassroots level, women have become catalysts for growth, constituting approximately 46% of elected representatives in panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), with over 1.4 million women serving in rural governance roles. The impact of this shift transcends mere numbers. With more women in leadership positions, policies have become more attuned to the priorities of families and communities. Areas such as health care, education, and public safety have seen significant improvements, driven by the unique perspectives and solutions that women leaders bring to the table. This evolution in leadership highlights a broader discourse: when women lead, societies thrive. India’s commitment to empowering women in governance not only strengthens democracy but also paves the way for sustainable development and social equity.
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. In 2023, Mr. Modi aptly stated at the G-20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment, “When women prosper, the world prospers.” By empowering women through entrepreneurship, education, and financial inclusion, we unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and societal progress, driving global transformation. Policies supporting women-led businesses, political representation, and skill development continue to shape economic and social progress. The focus now is on sustaining this momentum, ensuring that progress translates into lasting change for future generations.
Natasha Jha Bhaskar is Executive Director at Newland Global Group, Australia’s leading corporate advisory firm focused on strengthening India-Australia trade and investment ties. She is also the UN Women Australia and Chief Executive Women Scholar
Published – March 10, 2025 12:16 am IST
