How importance is equality? Equality is all about ensuring that every person has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. Now this is relevant of all individuals.
Recognizing the importance of Women’s Equality Day lets us honour all women who have gracefully tread the noble path, despite unfortunate events that may have disturbed their lives. The background of Women’s Equality Day was that August 26 was designated by the U.S. Congress as “Women’s Equality Day”. The date commemorates the 1920 certification of the nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Incidentally, the day also highlights women’s continued efforts toward attaining full equality.
So, on a positive note, many women’s organizations all over the world, celebrate this day. Plus they work hard to provide equal opportunities to women in education and employment so that they attain financial independence. As we know a woman plays several roles in her life – she is a mother, daughter, wife, sister, teacher, friend, etc.
Do you know that international studies demonstrate that when the economy and political scenario change, women take the lead in adjusting to new realities and challenges? And, when they take up entrepreneurship seriously, it also has an impact on the economy of a country.
Some Major Initiatives Offered by the Government of India
At this point, we point out some major initiatives taken by the Government of India for eliminating the gender gap. Here are some schemes that women can consider that can make them step up empowerment, in many ways.
> Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) ensures the protection, survival and education of the girl child.
> Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) aims to empower rural women with opportunities for skill development and employment.
> Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) is an apex micro-finance organization that provides micro-credit at concessional terms to poor women for various livelihood and income-generating
activities.
> Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aims to enable a large number of Indian youth, including women, to take up industry-relevant skill training in securing a better livelihood.
> Deen Dayal Upadhyay National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) focuses on creating opportunities for women in skill development, leading to market-based employment. > Skill Upgradation & Mahila Coir Yojna is an exclusive training program of MSME aimed at the skill development of women artisans engaged in the coir Industry.
> Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) – a major credit- linked subsidy program aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through the establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector
> Woman Entrepreneurship: To promote woman entrepreneurship, the Government has initiated Programmes like – Stand-Up India and Mahila e-Haat (online marketing platform to support women entrepreneurs/ SHGs/NGOs), Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESSDP). Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides access to institutional finance to micro/small businesses.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
