The Week That Was: Indian Women Empowerment News Overview
By: WE Staff | Saturday, 17 February 2024
Indian women's empowerment is a powerful and transformative movement that has gained traction in recent years, reshaping the country's social, economic, and political landscape. This movement exemplifies the resilience, determination, and capabilities of Indian women who, for generations, have faced challenges and disparities in various aspects of life. Indian women have demonstrated incredible fortitude and resilience. For many years, they have sought empowerment through education, economic independence, political participation, and social activism.
Women Entrepreneur India featured these accomplished women's inspiring stories this week, emphasizing their leadership, entrepreneurship, and significant contributions to the workforce, demonstrating women's extraordinary power and influence.
Lt. Governor Sinha highlights Changing Landscape for Women in Science
The University of Jammu hosted the 'J&K Women Science Congress 2024', a groundbreaking event promoting gender inclusivity in science and technology that was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The 3-day initiative aimed to transform the leadership landscape for women in scientific fields, receiving praise from Lt. Governor Sinha for its transformative potential.
Apollo Hospitals tops List with Independent Female Directors
According to a report released on Monday by Burgundy Private and Hurun India, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) is the most valuable company in India, while Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. is notable for having the largest percentage of women on its board of directors.
The report also listed India's most valuable companies or Big 3 including Reliance Industries Ltd., with a value of Rs 15.6 lakh crore; followed by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. at Rs 12.4 lakh crore; and HDFC Bank Ltd., with Rs 11.3 lakh crore. The combined efforts of Housing Development Finance Corp. and HDFC Bank enabled the latter to cross Rs. 10 lakh crore in market valuation, becoming the third Indian corporation to do so. With the most female directors on its board, this massive healthcare organization leads the field. With a total of 729 female directors, 437 of the 500 most valued corporations in India have female representation on their boards.
1.5 Million Reproductive-age Women affected with Epilepsy
India's 1.5 million reproductive-age women face epilepsy, requiring adequate care despite medical advancements and challenges like drug teratogenic effects and increased infertility rates. Every year on February 12, World Epilepsy Day is observed, a day that aims to increase awareness of the neurological condition that causes repeated seizures and to promote immediate action for those who are affected.
Epilepsy affects 50 million people globally, with 10-12 million in India. Social stigma and reluctance to seek medical help often hinder women from receiving necessary care. Reproductive health issues majorly affect the group of women who have epilepsy. With the right treatment, these women can lead regular, healthy lives. Even though the condition is common, there is a significant treatment gap, particularly in low-resource environments like rural India.
President Murmu Praises Tribal Women in Nation's Development
President of India, Draupadi Murmu addressed a community of tribal women working for Self Help Groups on 14 February 2024 at Beneshwar Dham, Rajasthan. Her speech included a number of significant topics including India's need to become self-reliant and that this is possible only when every part of the nation works independently. Self-help groups were praised by the President for promoting independence. These organizations contribute to the creation of social and human capital in addition to working capital.
CII Indian Women Network promotes Women in Workforce
The CII Indian Women Network released a report titled "Enhancing Women's Workforce Participation in the Indian Corporate Sector," promoting gender equality and greater workforce participation. The report was published during the 4th edition of CII Indian Women Network's Leaderpreneurship Conclave. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is working with industry stakeholders to promote women's participation in economic and community affairs through its National Committee on Women Empowerment.