Hindu Editorial Analysis : 27-December-2023

In a landmark move, the Prime Minister of India has called upon G20 Ministers to embrace a “game-changing action plan for women-led development.” This transformative approach underscores the pivotal role of women’s leadership in fostering societal progress.

Women-Led Development: A Necessity

Women as Integral Pillars of Society

  • Women’s progress is integral to overall societal advancement.
  • Societies witnessing consistent growth in women’s empowerment thrive.

Government’s Stance

  • The Indian government considers women-led development central to the nation’s progress.
  • Strengthening India hinges on the empowerment of women.
Status and Progress in India

Advocacy for Gender Equality

  • India actively promotes gender considerations in policymaking.
  • Significant strides made in global women’s rights advocacy.

Global Recognition

  • India’s election to the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
  • First woman President appointed during India’s UN Security Council Presidency.

Data Analysis

  • Notable presence of women in STEM fields.
  • Women’s significant representation in elected rural bodies and healthcare.
Steps Taken

Welfare Schemes

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission.
  • Mission Shakti, Stand-Up India, POSHAN Abhiyaan, PM Mudra Yojana.

Education Policy

  • National Education Policy prioritizes gender equity.
Challenges Faced

Global SDG Progress

  • Global progress towards SDGs, especially gender-related targets, is off-track.

Digital Divide

  • Limited internet use among Indian women poses a hurdle.

Budgetary Concerns

  • Reduction in the Gender Budget for 2023-2024.
  • Decline in the share of women in regular waged work.
Way Forward

G-20 Initiative

  • G-20 Presidency’s focus on Women Led Development is promising.
  • The formation of a working group on Women’s Empowerment indicates continued commitment.

Societal Shift

  • A fundamental shift is needed in perceiving women as architects of progress.
  • Sensitizing communities and fostering women empowerment awareness are crucial.

Systemic Alterations

  • Policy interventions, nutrition counseling, and inclusive decision-making are essential.
  • Removal of barriers hindering women’s access to markets and caregiving responsibilities.
Why In News

The Prime Minister of India passionately urged G20 Ministers to adopt a “game-changing action plan for women-led development, emphasizing the crucial role women play in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth worldwide.

MCQs about Women-Led Development in India

  1. What is the focus of the Prime Minister of India’s call to G20 Ministers?
    A. Economic reforms
    B. Women-led development
    C. Environmental sustainability
    D. Technological advancements
    Correct Answer: B. Women-led development
    Explanation: The Prime Minister urged G20 Ministers to adopt a “game-changing action plan for women-led development.”
  2. Which welfare scheme, initiated in 2016, aims to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households in India?
    A. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
    B. Swachh Bharat Mission
    C. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
    D. Jal Jeevan Mission
    Correct Answer: C. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
    Explanation: It provides deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households.
  3. What percentage of houses, as of February 2023, are either solely or jointly owned by women under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana?
    A. 55%
    B. 69%
    C. 80%
    D. 90%
    Correct Answer: B. 69%
    Explanation: As of February 2023, over 69% of houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are either solely or jointly owned by women.
  4. What is a key challenge mentioned in the essay regarding women’s entrepreneurship?
    A. Overrepresentation in STEM fields
    B. Lack of government investment
    C. Equal access to markets
    D. Gender parity in regular waged work
    Correct Answer: B. Lack of government investment
    Explanation: The women-led development schemes sometimes conceal the reality of decreasing government investment in projects for women’s development.

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