Empowering Women: Virtual Webinar Marks International Women’s Day
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) hosted a virtual round-table webinar on March 6, 2025, in anticipation of International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8. Themed “नारी शक्ति से विकसित भारत,” the event focused on recognizing women’s contributions and advancing gender equality and empowerment in India. Key speakers emphasized the importance of empowering young women and the role of women in civil services in shaping the nation’s future.
Keynote Address Highlights Women’s Empowerment
Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, opened the webinar with a compelling welcome address. He stressed the necessity of empowering young women and adolescent girls, who are pivotal to driving transformative change in society. Srinivas articulated that achieving an empowered India by 2047 hinges on fully utilizing women’s potential. He underscored that every woman plays a crucial role in this journey, highlighting the collective responsibility to foster an environment conducive to women’s growth and empowerment.
Legislative Progress and Workforce Participation
Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, discussed the significant strides made since India’s independence, particularly in civil services. She pointed out how legislation such as Maternity Leave and Child Care Leave has facilitated women’s contributions to nation-building while balancing family responsibilities. Dawra noted a positive trend in female workforce participation over the past six years, marked by increased economic engagement and a rise in educated women entering the job market. She also emphasized the need for enhanced workplace safety, equitable policies, and strict compliance with regulations to ensure a supportive environment for women in the workforce.
Personal Experiences and Collective Efforts
Smt. Vandita Kaul, Secretary of the Department of Posts, shared insights on the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work that women often shoulder. She highlighted the transformative impact of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana in empowering women and called for collective efforts to inspire more women to pursue careers in civil services. Kaul also recounted her personal challenges during her civil service preparations, illustrating the hurdles women face in achieving their professional aspirations. The webinar featured contributions from several women IAS officers, who shared their experiences and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment within their respective administrations.
A Platform for Discussion and Future Directions
The virtual event attracted over 250 officers from the Government of India and various state governments, providing a valuable platform for dialogue on women’s empowerment issues. Key interventions were made by prominent IAS officers, including Ms. Varnali Deka and Ms. Tina Dabi, who elaborated on their administrative efforts to uplift women. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Smt. Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary of DARPG, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing conversation about gender equality and women’s roles in shaping India’s future.
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