Indian Women Evolving From Participatory To Leadership Roles: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the women's participation in becoming initiators of policies, rather than passive consumers of government initiatives. 

He expressed his thoughts in a conference titled 'Women Leading Change in Health and Science in India' in New Delhi stating that women's power has already arrived, but there is a need for a change in mindset. 

Singh also referred to the Prime Minister’s recent statement that India cannot achieve success if 50 per cent of the population being women are locked at home. 

Singh further lauded the Gates Foundation for committing around 40 million USD till July 2022 in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Grand Challenges India (implemented by BIRAC). The Foundation has an additional commitment of 25 million USD for the next five years. 

Singh mentioned that the women scientists have carved a niche for themselves in science-based Startups, STEM, IT, Space, Nuclear Science, Drone, and Nano-technology and informed that many of the big scientific projects including that of Gaganyaan are being led by women scientists. 

Melinda French Gates also expressed her gratitude towards the participation of Indian women at the global level and said that policies designed for women must be made by women themselves. She asserted that women must have a greater say in the decision-making process for its ultimate success.

She added that almost 200 million received direct cash benefits, which led to their empowerment and greater societal benefit.