For years, government policies in India centered on welfare and social protection for women. These steps helped tackle immediate needs but often treated women mainly as recipients of aid. In the past twelve years, a notable change has taken place. Women are now viewed more as active contributors, leaders, entrepreneurs, and participants in economic growth.
This change reflects a wider development approach where women play a central part in India’s progress. The move from welfare measures to women-led development has become a key aspect of governance from 2014 to 2026.
The strategy covers the full life cycle. It starts with protecting girls before birth, provides nutrition, education, and health services in childhood and youth, offers skill training and business opportunities in adulthood, and supports roles in governance and leadership.
Effects appear across areas. More girls finish school, women join higher education and STEM fields in greater numbers, financial access has grown, and women hold more positions in public bodies and local governance.
Protecting girls and improving maternal care
The base of this approach begins at birth. To counter gender bias before birth, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao program started in January 2015. It aimed to improve child sex ratios, stop sex-selective practices, and support girls’ survival, safety, and schooling. The effort grew into a broad social movement.
It paired enforcement of the PCPNDT Act with campaigns against biases. Data shows progress. The National Family Health Survey-5 found a sex ratio of 1,020 women per 1,000 men, up from 943 in the 2011 Census.
Maternal health also gained focus. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana gives financial help to pregnant and nursing women, tied to care visits, hospital births, and vaccinations. It has reached millions and paid over Rs 20,000 crore.
One example is Rakchi Sangma from Meghalaya, who used the support for better nutrition and care, leading to a safe delivery.
Better maternal services and lower death rates
Healthy pregnancies affect both survival and future outcomes. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, started in 2016, offers free check-ups on the ninth of each month at public clinics. Millions have used it, and over one crore high-risk cases were flagged.
India’s maternal mortality ratio dropped from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-15 to 88 in 2021-23. Other programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana boosted hospital births and newborn care.
Institutional deliveries and antenatal coverage have risen, with more women receiving medical support during pregnancy.
Education as a path to empowerment
Education is key to change. Since 2014, reforms have stressed not just enrollment but also quality and continuation. The National Education Policy 2020 promotes gender inclusion through funds, flexible paths, and varied options to remove barriers for girls. Schemes like Samagra Shiksha have upgraded school facilities and access.
