Nari shakti
The successful
soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 on Moon is significant on more than one count.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has seen the active participation
and contribution of women scientists in various roles. Women scientists at ISRO
have played pivotal roles in missions such as the Mars Orbiter Mission
(Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan missions. Their achievements have not only
showcased their capabilities but have also inspired young girls to pursue
careers in science and technology. This
surge in the presence of women in public sphere is due to the various measures
taken by the Govt to empower women. The Indian government has launched various
initiatives to promote women's empowerment, such as the Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign, the Mahila
Shakti Kendra scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (a maternity
benefit program). These initiatives aim to improve the status of women in
society, ensure their education, and provide support for maternal health.
Access to education for women has improved in India. Various scholarship
programs and reservations in educational institutions have been introduced to
encourage women's education and promote gender parity in academia. Women's
participation in the workforce has increased, with more women joining diverse
sectors of the economy. Programs like MUDRA (Micro Units Development and
Refinance Agency) have supported women entrepreneurs by providing financial
assistance for starting and expanding small businesses. Women's representation
in politics has been steadily increasing in India. The reservation of seats for
women in local government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) has led to
greater political participation. The Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to
reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's
parliament) and state legislatures for women, will provide more impetus to the
women empowerment drive. Bharath has always been a land which respects and
reveres women. The latest enactment will ensure that our country women will get
more opportunities at the Governance too, which they rightly deserve.
V.V. Balasubramanian
YB-ET