Renewable energy initiatives are making a significant impact in rural communities, particularly for women. In many regions, women's access to economic opportunities and education is hindered by a lack of reliable electricity. However, solar energy is now emerging as a game-changer, providing clean, affordable, and sustainable power to empower women and transform their lives. Solar energy skill development programs are also emerging, providing women with access to a range of solar-related jobs and allowing them to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By introducing solar-powered equipment, women can also save time and effort in performing daily tasks and generate income efficiently through solar-powered businesses.
The two-day Constitution debate in Lok Sabha, as part of the Parliament's winter session, saw heated discussions between the ruling and opposition parties. With the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution adoption as the backdrop, top leaders from BJP and Congress sparred over constitutional matters. In other news, BJP's nominee Rekha Sharma was elected unopposed in the Rajya Sabha by-election from Haryana, with a promise to empower women.
Following the tragic death of 34-year-old Atul Subhash, his father has come forward claiming that his son was driven to suicide due to ongoing disputes and corruption in the justice system. Atul's wife had filed multiple cases against him and his family, resulting in immense stress and turmoil. The deceased's brother also spoke out, alleging false cases and seeking action against those who mentally tortured his brother. This incident has sparked a larger conversation about how laws and provisions meant to empower women are being misused.
The Empower Her project is seeking passionate volunteers to join their initiative in Ghana, where they will collaborate to provide women with leadership training, entrepreneurship skills, and mentorship. Through this project, women in rural and urban communities will be equipped with the necessary tools, skills, and confidence to take charge of their economic and social futures. Volunteer roles include fostering entrepreneurship and financial literacy, and there is a $600 fee per volunteer to sustain the project and support the women involved.
After Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's victory in the 2024 Indian parliamentary elections, members of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) expressed their congratulations and belief that her win signifies a boost for women's empowerment in India. They also drew comparisons to her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, who they say championed women's rights during her tenure as prime minister. Meanwhile, they criticized the opposing BJP and RSS parties for their lack of support for women in politics and society.
The Congress party in Maharashtra has launched 'Shakti Abhiyan', a campaign to empower women across the state. State president Nana Patole highlighted the positive response received by the Indira Gandhi Fellowship programme, under which the campaign was started a year ago. The campaign will be conducted at various levels and aims to bring women's leadership to the forefront. Patole also criticized the Modi government for not implementing the women's reservation bill, while assuring that the Congress will do so when in power.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been subjected to endless speculation about his marriage plans, was once again put in the spot by Kashmiri women students during his visit to Srinagar. In a freewheeling interaction, Gandhi humorously responds to their persistent questioning, while also highlighting the importance of giving women a voice in society. This incident serves as a reminder of the need to empower and amplify the voices of women in Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Jalgaon in Maharashtra and Jodhpur in Rajasthan on August 25, where he will be engaging with Lakhpati Didis and releasing a Revolving Fund of Rs 2,500 crore that will benefit 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). During the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan, he will also award certificates to 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis and disburse bank loans totaling Rs 5,000 crore to support 2.35 lakh SHGs. This initiative is part of the government's aim to empower three crore women as Lakhpati Didis. In Jodhpur, PM Modi will also serve as the Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court and inaugurate the Rajasthan High Court Museum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Rajasthan's Banswara has caused a huge uproar as he accused the Congress party of planning to confiscate assets of Indian Muslims. Referring to a 2006 statement made by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh about the need to empower minorities, PM Modi insinuated that Congress would distribute the gold and property of Hindu women to Muslim infiltrators. The Congress party has refuted these claims, stating that PM Modi's speech is a diversion tactic from the real issues faced by the country.
Every year on 8 March, International Women's Day is celebrated around the world as a reminder of the progress made towards achieving gender equality, and the work that still needs to be done. This year's theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," highlights the importance of addressing the staggering USD 360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality spending. Through acknowledging women's achievements and advocating for their rights, this day serves as a powerful platform to promote social change and empower women and girls globally.