A GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO BRIDGE THE GENDER EQUITY GAP

Subject: IR

Section: Msc

Context:

India launched a landmark Initiative “Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality” at WEF 2024.
The commitment is underscored by the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration during India’s presidency at the G-20.

About the Alliance

The multi-stakeholder initiative positions India at the forefront of accelerating the socio-economic cause with a sustained global impact.
The Alliance transitions the concepts of equity and equality into actionable agendas for stakeholders worldwide.

Adopted Basic tenets of G-20 Declaration

The declaration emphasizes prioritizing inclusion in key focus areas such as socioeconomic empowerment, bridging the digital gap, climate action, and ensuring food security, nutrition, health, and well-being.
It advocates for a growth agenda driven by women-led development.

Government Commitment to Gender Equality

Mainstreaming gender equality and equity has been a priority for the Government of India for over a decade.
The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill last year is a groundbreaking step, ensuring one third of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
This legislative measure is seen as a revolutionary tool for women’s empowerment, contributing significantly to enhancing India’s governance processes.

Financial Commitment to Women-Led Development –

The government’s commitment is evident in the allocation of nearly $27 billion under the gender budget in 2023-24.
This substantial financial commitment reflects the dedication to advancing women-led development initiatives.

Positive Trends in Female Participation

India has experienced a notable increase in the female labor force participation rate, rising from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23 according to data from the annual Periodic Labour Force Surveys.
Female enrollment in higher education has witnessed a significant 28% increase over the last decade.

Empowering Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics courses):

The share of women’s enrollment is an impressive 43%, marking one of the highest rates globally.
Rural India showcases active participation, with over nine crore women engaged in 83 lakh self-help groups, contributing to the improvement of socio-economic conditions in rural areas.

We-Lead Lounge at Davos:

The We-Lead Lounge, established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Davos, generated significant global interest and curiosity.
It provided a platform for meaningful discussions on how the world can contribute to, join,and drive inclusive development efforts.

Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality

Anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership and guided by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India and Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
It will establish a global network of experts, thinktanks, industry leaders, and country leadership to drive collective actions for women empowerment.
The World Economic Forum’s partnership as a network partner underscores the initiative’s global relevance and resolve to promote inclusive and equitable growth.

Its Focus Areas and Objectives

To foster the sharing and development of scalable and practical solutions to promote women-led development.
Key areas include ed-tech, medical capacity building, health interventions for women, learning and skill development, agrotech, and women enterprise development.
To mobilize capital to enhance gender outcomes, capitalizing on India’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world” and its acknowledged digital expertise.

Opportunities for Global Industry

This presents an opportunity for industries worldwide to share developed practices aimed at advancing women’s entry and growth in the workplace.
It offers a chance to invest in proven programs and initiatives, facilitating their scalability, and collaborate to integrate inclusion into business dialogues.

Engagement and Leadership Development

It also provides an opportunity to collaborate with the global community, including industry, think tanks, and investors, to enhance engagement and leadership of women in the economy.
The focus lies on increasing access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and economic prospects for women.

India’s Commitment to Global Harmony

With India’s enduring commitment to ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and its ongoing efforts toward ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas’, the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is positioned to significantly impact all gender-related issues.