Women’s organizations in India have played a transformative role in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, acting as catalysts for legal reform, social change, and economic inclusion. Their efforts span from grassroots mobilization to national advocacy, shaping policies and challenging patriarchal norms.
Role of Women’s Organizations in India:
- Legal Advocacy:
- Pushed for laws like the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, and amendments to Dowry Prohibition Act.
- Educated women about their legal rights and provided support during litigation.
- Economic Empowerment:
- Organizations like SEWA and Mahila Mandals promote financial literacy, microcredit access, and entrepreneurship.
- Enabled women in informal sectors to gain economic independence and collective bargaining power.
- Educational Initiatives:
- Promoted female literacy, vocational training, and gender-sensitive curricula.
- Reduced dropout rates and improved access to education in rural and marginalized communities.
- Health and Social Awareness:
- Conducted campaigns on reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and mental well-being.
- Provided healthcare access and counseling services, especially during crises like the pandemic.
- Combating Gender-Based Violence:
- Offered shelters, legal aid, and counseling for survivors.
- Raised awareness and reduced stigma around domestic violence and sexual harassment.
Steps Taken by the Government of Odisha for Women Empowerment:
Odisha has emerged as a leader in women-led development, combining policy innovation with grassroots mobilization.
- Mission Shakti:
- Launched in 2001, it has organized over 70 lakh women into 6 lakh SHGs.
- Provides credit linkages, skill training, and market access, transforming SHGs into economic hubs.
- Subhadra Scheme:
- Offers ₹50,000 financial support over five years to eligible women.
- Promotes digital literacy and entrepreneurship through Subhadra Cards and incentives for digital transactions.
- Political Representation:
- Odisha was the first state to provide 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (1991), later increased to 50%.
- Also announced 30% reservation for women in government jobs.
- Skill Development and Livelihoods:
- Partnerships with Meta, Coursera, and IIM Sambalpur for training in AI, data analytics, and entrepreneurship.
- SHGs engaged in millet value chains, sanitation, and public service delivery.
- Social and Health Initiatives:
- Schemes like Mamata and Kishori Balika Yojana improve maternal health and adolescent well-being.
- Special schools and hostels for tribal girls enhance educational access.
Conclusion:
Women’s organizations have been instrumental in reshaping India’s gender landscape, while Odisha’s model showcases how state-led initiatives can empower women economically, socially, and politically. Together, they form a powerful alliance for building an inclusive and equitable society.