Government Declares Women-Led Growth Central to India's 2047 Development Ambitions
The Indian government on Tuesday asserted that women-led growth will be fundamental to the nation's development aspirations, even as policymakers and industry leaders urged for more robust ecosystems to bolster women in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Minister Highlights Role of Women and Youth in Nation-Building
Speaking at a summit organized by the women's empowerment arm of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse emphasized that India's objective of transforming into a developed nation by 2047 hinges on enhanced participation of women and youth in economic activities.
"India's youth and women together form the backbone of a progressive nation. Empowering them with opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship is key to nation-building," she stated.
Summit Focuses on Moving Beyond Inclusion to Impact
The three-day event, convened in New Delhi, assembled policymakers, industry representatives, and global stakeholders to deliberate on cross-border collaboration and women's leadership in science and business.
Speakers at the summit underscored the necessity to advance beyond mere discussions on inclusion to facilitating access to finance, markets, and decision-making roles. Debjani Ghosh, distinguished fellow at NITI Aayog and former Nasscom president, articulated that the emphasis must transition from diversity metrics to influence and outcomes.
"While diversity and inclusion have laid the foundation, the real measure of progress now lies in how many policies we shape and how many key decisions we influence. The focus must shift to impact, leadership and outcomes," Ghosh remarked.
Call to Action for Stronger Ecosystems
Ruby Sinha, president of the BRICS Women Empowerment division, described the summit as a call to action regarding women's empowerment. "It is our collective responsibility to build stronger ecosystems, enable greater access, and invest in women-led innovation," she affirmed.
Former minister Meenakshi Lekhi added that the forthcoming phase of growth will necessitate women assuming more significant roles in diplomacy, innovation, and global engagement. Officials also highlighted the requirement for institutional support, including flexible work structures and childcare provisions, to augment workforce participation.
International Partnership Announced
The summit culminated in the signing of a partnership with Brazil's micro and small business support agency SEBRAE, aimed at enhancing cooperation among women-led enterprises across BRICS economies.
