India's Drive to Bridge the Gender Gap: Initiatives and Impact
India fell to 131st in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2025. The government prioritizes bridging gender disparity through economic, educational, and political initiatives. Key programs include paid maternity leave, skills development, and political representation, advancing women's socio-economic status and political empowerment.
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In a response to India slipping to the 131st spot in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2025, the government has reiterated its dedication to closing the gender gap. Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, outlined a multi-pronged strategy that spans economic, educational, and political arenas.
Key government initiatives aim to elevate the socio-economic status of women, such as increased maternity leave, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Stand Up India scheme. Thakur highlighted political empowerment strides, including the 2023 constitutional mandate for one-third female representation in legislative bodies.
Educational efforts also play a crucial role, with programs aimed at increasing female participation in STEM. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme promoted gender equality, improving the sex ratio at birth from 918 to 930 and raising girls' secondary education enrollment rates.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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