Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment, emphasizing the significant role of women’s leadership in fostering inclusivity and driving positive change. In his address, he extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries attending the conference in Gandhinagar, a city named after Mahatma Gandhi, the champion of sustainability, self-reliance, and equality.
PM Modi highlighted the need for immediate and sustainable solutions to global challenges like climate change and global warming. He drew inspiration from Gandhiji’s simplicity and visionary ideas, urging the world to embrace sustainable practices.
The prime minister underscored that when women prosper, the world prospers. Their economic empowerment fuels growth, while their access to education drives global progress. He lauded India’s commitment to women’s rights since the inception of the Indian Constitution, with equal voting and election rights for women.
PM Modi praised the exemplary leadership of President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from a humble tribal background and leads the world’s largest democracy while serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the second-largest defense force globally. He also commended the remarkable contributions of women across various domains.
Women in India play crucial roles in driving economic, environmental, and social change, especially during the pandemic. PM Modi acknowledged their pivotal role in manufacturing masks, sanitizers, and raising awareness about infection prevention.
The government’s commitment to women’s empowerment is evident through various initiatives. PM Modi highlighted that 70% of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana have been sanctioned to women. Additionally, 80% of beneficiaries under Stand-Up India are women. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided nearly 100 million cooking gas connections to rural women, improving their health and the environment.
The prime minister praised the increasing participation of women in technical education and STEM fields, contributing to India’s space achievements and civil aviation. He highlighted women’s potential to offer innovative solutions to climate change and recalled the historic Chipko Movement led by women in Rajasthan.
Concluding the address, PM Modi commended the conference’s focus on women’s entrepreneurship, leadership, and education. He expressed confidence that the efforts in Gandhinagar would inspire hope and confidence in women worldwide. He announced the establishment of a new Working Group on ‘Women Empowerment’ under India’s G20 Presidency and praised the launch of the ‘Tech-Equity Platform’ to enhance digital and financial literacy for women.
