A crucial two-day national conference focused on women’s empowerment, attended by parliamentary and legislative committees, recently wrapped up in Tirupati. The event concluded with a powerful appeal for increased investment in areas vital to women’s progress, including their health, education, skill development, and entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing these as keys to unlocking their complete potential.
During the closing session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underscored that empowering women transcends social and moral obligations; it is, in fact, an “economic necessity.” He elaborated that by adequately supporting women across various sectors, India can tap into an immense pool of human talent, fostering a robust and inclusive development model for the nation.
India: A Mother of Democracy and its Civilisational Values
Coinciding with International Day of Democracy, Mr. Birla remarked that Indian democracy is more than just a political system; it represents a “civilisational value and a way of life.” He proudly noted that India, revered as the “Mother of Democracy,” has consistently championed the principles of equality, open dialogue, and broad participation, with its democratic ethos deeply woven into the country’s cultural and social tapestry.
Championing Gender-Responsive Budgeting for Equitable Growth
The Speaker emphasized the critical role of gender-responsive budgeting, advocating that it must extend beyond mere financial allocations. Instead, he argued, it should develop into a comprehensive socio-economic framework that seamlessly incorporates women’s specific needs into the very fabric of developmental policy.
To guarantee the effective allocation of resources, Mr. Birla urged the establishment of Gender Budget Cells across all Union ministries and State departments. He highlighted the necessity of increased funding for women’s healthcare, education, skill development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and access to credit, all to be rigorously monitored using gender-disaggregated data. These initiatives, he asserted, would ensure national priorities are better aligned with women’s aspirations, thereby accelerating equitable growth for all.
The insightful discussions culminated in the unanimous endorsement of the ‘Tirupati Resolution.’ This pivotal document outlines a clear roadmap for advancing women’s empowerment by bolstering institutional and technical capabilities, and by integrating a gender perspective throughout governance structures at both national and state levels.
Furthermore, the resolution advocates for bridging the digital divide, fostering women’s success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, and guaranteeing their safety in the digital realm. It stressed the importance of expanding digital literacy and acknowledging women not just as users of technology, but as influential creators and innovators within the tech landscape.
Through the adoption of this resolution, participants collectively reaffirmed their dedication to translating policy intentions into concrete, actionable strategies. These strategies are designed to firmly position women at the very core of India’s ongoing development agenda.