How Bharat has realised ‘Women Empowerment’ in the previous decade for the Amrit Kaal?

In the heart of dreams, where courage takes flight,

A symphony of vision, in the darkest night.

With grace and ambition, they boldly stand,

Women, crafting dreams with their own hands.

Today’s Bharat talks about resilience meeting innovation, dreams transforming into reality. With sheer determination that not only propels them to shatter perceptional glass ceilings but blaze their own trails in the business world. Years back when someone thought about entrepreneurship or taking a journey which was not a usual one with family traditions or had to step out of the usual space of working was a huge deal but thinking about today’s era it’s more of a transformal Journey. Bharat’s Amritkaal has not only taken the meaning of Entrepreneurship to a new level but has made sure each and every jewel of true talent in India receives its desired result for his or her effort. There were times when stepping out from the kitchen and staging one’s opinion was a far fetched dream and comparing it out to today’s scenario in this dynamic transition for our nation there are these females who don’t even own a MBA degree for understanding the core concepts of business world are heading startups which earn more than a crore per annum.

India is rewriting its own narrative for breaking the barrier and shooting for the far distinctive star. Women are exploring their talents in such a way that they are not only shining themselves but are able to give opportunities to the worthy ones. As one embarks on the journey to explore the intricate landscape of empowerment and entrepreneurship is definitely casting its gaze upon the shifting contours of time. In the pages of history, it was discerned a stark disparity, a poignant division between urban dynamism and rural seclusion. This divide was marked by unequal access to opportunities and privileges, which had long been a subject of concern in both developed cities and underprivileged villages.

However in today’s Amrit Kaal the expedition has taken a riveting turn as a huge step in deriving the worthy skill to prove their worth. The Central Government as well as the state government schemes are not only helping a fresh mind in Bangalore to start their own venture but also giving an opportunity to get the best talent out and manage to utilise his or her skill effectively. As a step into the contemporary world, this does not limit itself just to first or second tier cities but also stretches itself to farest secluded village. This spirit of innovation blazes like a comet streaking across the night sky. These ambitious ventures are not mere dots on the entrepreneurial map; they are beacons of progress, illuminating the path to a brighter future.

It is rightly said with every one female getting educated she uplifts her whole family, one similar example is of Pabiben Rabari who has not only broken the barriers through her skill and hard work but her passion to do something which makes her community proud. Pabiben Rabari comes from the nomadic community of Rabaris’, a community who mostly deal in the business of cattle rearing.Through her sheer hard work and perseverance she was able to go from earning a daily wage to working with rural women artisans by training and supporting the traditional crafts. Her artform ‘Hari Jari’ has now earned a global clientele which actually describes New Bharat’s Amrit Kaal.

Another beautiful example of true entrepreneurial spirit is of Fem Care Pharma’s founder, Sunita Ramnathkar, set out on an entrepreneurial path that would forever change the Indian beauty sector. She and her IIT-graduate brother identified a glaring market gap for face bleach solutions designed specifically for Indian ladies. Their motivation stemmed from her search for a means to address a specific demand in the beauty industry following the birth of her kid. The sheer dedication to offering affordable, high-quality face bleach products resonated with customers throughout India, and the brand grew. Their extraordinary odyssey came to an end when the renowned Dabur Group acquired them as a result of their incredible achievement. Sunita Ramnathkar is still a shining example of entrepreneurship today, taking on new projects and leaving a lasting mark on Indian business. Her experience serves as an example of the value of seeking out unmet needs, creativity, and the transformative effects of entrepreneurship.

‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands for all the women’. These beautiful sentences by Maya Angelou tells one about depths of undiscovered and impossible dreams which one saw but couldn’t explore or pursue them. However, as times have evolved, these words have transformed into mere echoes in the New Bharat. This nation has steadily and resolutely ascended to the ranks of developed nations, and at its core, are the resilient ventures championed by women.Women entrepreneurs in Amrit Kaal looked beyond borders. They ventured into international markets, leveraging globalization to expand their businesses, build cross-cultural networks, and create a global impact.

While talking about the borders, years ago, discussions about gender equality in the defense sector often centered around the perception that it was exclusively a ‘man’s world’. However post 2014 the situation as well as the perception and the narrative has significantly evolved. Today, there have been transformative developments that emphasize inclusivity and equal opportunities for women. For instance, Sainik Schools, traditionally associated with preparing students for the National Defence Academy (NDA), have taken progressive steps by admitting girls in recent years. This pivotal move ensures that young women can aspire to pursue careers in the armed forces from an early age. Moreover, the Indian Army took a groundbreaking step in 2019 by opening its doors to women in the Military Police. And not just this Union government has also promised for permanent commission to all the women officers in the Indian Army. These decisions mark a significant expansion of roles available to women within the Army, granting them responsibilities in areas such as crime investigation, discipline enforcement, and prisoner of war management.

While thinking into broader perspectives these initiatives not only break down traditional barriers but also contribute significantly to increase participation of women in the defense sector, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment. Along with this prior to 2014, the Indian armed services had also imposed significant gender restrictions, limiting the roles accessible to women within their ranks. However, since that key year, there has also been a steadfast resolve to increase their participation. The Union government has enacted a number of policies targeted at increasing gender equality in the defense sector.One of the most notable improvements has been the creation of new opportunities for women in the military. In a historic step in 2016, the Indian Air Force (IAF) welcomed its first cadre of female fighter pilots, breaking down a long-standing gender barrier.

While discussing the crucial topic of gender equality and its associated policies, it’s impossible to overlook the groundbreaking decision of the ‘Mahila Shakti Vandan Abhiyam.’ This historic decision transformed India’s image on the world stage. As a land of immense opportunities, India has consistently taken the high road in promoting, advocating for, and uplifting various segments of society. Yet, when it comes to women’s representation in politics, it often seemed as if there were no substantial initiatives in place. The ‘Mahila Shakti Vandan Abhiyam’ shattered that perception. This visionary step helps to reserve 33% of electoral seats for women which also talks about reservation of 33% of seats in the reserved seat category i.e SC’s and ST’s, with its comprehensive approach and a bright dream of empowering women in politics like never before.

It has not only opened doors, provided a platform, and actively encouraged women to take their rightful place in the political arena but has uplifted a sense of empowering the powerful power-less. This decision wasn’t merely a stepping stone; it was a quantum leap that transcended convention painted a new landscape, where India’s commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women glistened as stars in the night sky. The ‘Mahila Shakti Vandan Abhiyam’ redefined the very essence of progress, echoing the chorus of change across every facet of society, especially within the realm of politics. It was an artistic stroke on the canvas of history, revealing India’s masterpiece in its journey toward a more equitable and harmonious future.

Standup India and Mudra Yojana, two exceptional programs, have become the pillars of empowerment for young female professionals throughout India. These initiatives have sparked a wave of change in the entrepreneurial landscape by bridging the gap between goals and accomplishments. Governments in the direction to support such ventures have taken three steps at a time to provide a worthy platform as well as equal opportunities. These schemes have resulted in real-world success stories rather than just being on paper. Young female professionals have used the assistance provided by Standup India and Mudra Yojana to realize their dreams in a variety of industries, including agriculture, retail, technology, and services. As of 2021 over 81000 loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs and around more than 29 crore women entrepreneurs have benefited from Mudra loans. They now serve as the catalyst for an increase in female-led companies, which has greatly aided the country’s economic development and social advancement.

With times changing the societal attitudes on women’s employment in business have changed. As long-held prejudices were challenged by women’s success as leaders and entrepreneurs, more women were inspired to follow their entrepreneurial aspirations. As one knows, the body of a female changes with every stage she enters whether it is an adolescent girl to an expecting woman. Supportive decisions of Maternity leave extending to 6 and half months along with medical benefits expanding throughout the whole period and compensatory wage benefit has helped a woman to manage and balance her life and professional journey in a better way. Women are no longer relegated to the periphery in India’s expansive business landscape; instead, they are telling their tales on the expansive canvas of innovation and enterprise. For prospective female entrepreneurs, the government’s dedication to gender equality, access to resources, and a supportive environment has opened doors to opportunity and allowed them to turn their aspirations into reality.

As India marches forward on its path to becoming an economic powerhouse, women entrepreneurs are poised to take center stage in this transformative journey. The presence of well-established government schemes, robust policies, and attractive incentives paves the way for an abundance of success stories, a proliferation of trailblazers, and a growing community of women who fearlessly envision, accomplish, and inspire. The invaluable contribution of women-led businesses to India’s GDP is substantial, comprising around 17% of the nation’s total economic output. These female entrepreneurs serve as employers to over 22 million individuals, presenting substantial employment opportunities that strengthen the fabric of the nation’s workforce.

नारी उद्यमिता, देश के विकास का मार्गप्रदर्शिका