The invisible bias

Every year, the world celebrates March 8 as International Women's Day, honouring the resilience, courage, sacrifice and strength of countless women who, despite societal biases, have persevered and triumphed.

- BANSURI SWARAJ

The true essence of women's empowerment does not reside in an annual commemoration but in the everyday struggles of women, often unseen and unsung as they strive for dignity, security and opportunity. Empowerment is not an act of benevolence but a fundamental acknowledgement that men and women possess equal rights to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the country's progress.

Over the years, successive governments have introduced schemes aimed at empowering women through education, financial inclusion and skill development. These schemes have, undoubtedly, achieved some progress, but true empowerment requires more then just policy framework and financial support. The real requirement is to dismantle societal biases.