#WhenWomenLead, the world thrives. As the world grapples with multiple crises, supporting women’s economic empowerment and leadership can unlock sustainable solutions that benefit the planet, people, and economies. Check out the link to the photo essay in our bio to get a glimpse of how Indian women are leading change across sectors to eradicate poverty.
The essence of this transformative leadership is vividly captured in "Hum: When Women Lead," a compelling coffee table book produced by UN Women India in collaboration with the Ford Foundation. Launched recently in New Delhi, this anthology showcases 75 stories of Indian women breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.
Among these trailblazers is Shruti Nagvanshi, a relentless social activist based in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. For over two decades, Nagvanshi has championed human rights and social justice, focusing on empowering marginalized communities, including Dalits and Adivasis. Through the Savitri Bai Phule Mahila Pnachayat, she provides a platform for women to address caste-based atrocities, domestic violence, and rehabilitation, ensuring that women's issues remain at the forefront of every initiative.
Another inspiring figure is Nirmal Chandel, whose journey of advocacy began with the founding of the Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan in Himachal Pradesh. Leading a group of over 3500 single women on a transformative march to demand constitutional rights, Chandel's activism catalyzed significant change, forcing policymakers to confront and address the challenges faced by single women in accessing social protection schemes.
In the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation, Ezhil Subbian's pioneering work at StringBio stands as a testament to India's potential in advanced technology. By harnessing synthetic biology, Subbian's firm addresses critical issues in nutrition and agriculture, contributing not only to economic growth but also to sustainable development and global competitiveness.
These stories are not isolated incidents but part of a larger narrative of women's leadership driving progress across diverse fields. From Kalpana Ramesh's water conservation initiatives in Hyderabad to Dipika Kumari's solar-powered solutions in rural Jharkhand, women are at the forefront of addressing pressing challenges, from climate change to poverty alleviation.
In addition to their tangible contributions, these women leaders embody the core principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through their actions, they promote gender equality (SDG 5), reduce inequalities (SDG 10), and advance environmental sustainability (SDGs 13 and 15), demonstrating the transformative power of women's empowerment.
As we celebrate #WhenWomenLead at CSW 68, let us not only recognize the achievements of these remarkable women but also commit to amplifying their voices, supporting their initiatives, and creating an enabling environment for women's leadership to flourish. For in their success lies the promise of a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
Link to the photo essay on UN Women's Instagram.
No comments:
Post a Comment