SHATTERING STEREOTYPES: WOMEN REDEFINING SUCCESS IN 21st CENTUARY

“There is no force more powerful than a women determined to rise.”

-W.E.B. Dubois

PREFACE

Across the globe, women have been struggling and fighting for equal rights and opportunities in
the male chauvinist society. Not only were women deprived of their basic fundamental rights but
also they had to overcome persistent suppression due to the orthodox societal norms. However,
despite of all these atrocities, women always stood strongly for themselves whether through
voicing their ideologies in the grassroot movements or by coming into the system. Their constant
determination has resulted in significant social as well as legal reforms worldwide. It has always
been a war between women and the society, wherein society has given tough times to women
over and over again and women has without fail turned up as a warrior proving their existence
and credibility. The Fourth World Conference on Women, commonly known as the Beijing
Conference, marked a historic milestone in the global pursuit of gender equality. The Conference
adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a visionary document outlining
strategic objectives and specific actions to advance women’s rights and empowerment. Along
with Beijing (China), 189 other nations such as United States, India, Sweden, and South Africa
participated in this conference which resulted in a landmark agenda for advancing women’s
rights globally.

CRITICAL AREAS OF CONCERN OUTLINED IN THE CONFERENCE

Education and Training of Women:

The WOMEN is ambitious, driven, and determined to carve a niche for herself in every field.
From excelling in STEM to securing top positions in academia, she is unstoppable. India is
committed to providing her with the right platform through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao, which encourages education and empowerment. The National Education Policy (2020)
focuses on gender inclusion, skill development, and digital literacy, ensuring that every girl can
access quality education and dream big. Institutions like IITs and IIMs are seeing an increasing
number of female students, proving that barriers are breaking. Women achievers like Gitanjali
Rao, the young inventor, and Malala Yousafzai, show how education empowers the modern girl
to lead. With scholarships, e-learning platforms, and vocational training opportunities, India is
paving the way for its WOMEN to compete on a global stage, fostering an environment where
they can learn, grow, and contribute to the nation’s progress fearlessly.

Violence against Women:

Today's WOMEN is fearless and refuses to tolerate injustice. India is creating a safer
environment through stricter laws and support systems like the Nirbhaya Fund, One Stop
Centres, and fast-track courts. Legal provisions such as the Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act (2005) and the Criminal Law Amendment Act (2013) provide a solid framework
for justice. Helplines, women-only police stations, and the SHE Teams initiative in cities like
Hyderabad ensure that women feel secure. Campaigns like #MeToo have encouraged young
women to speak out against harassment and demand respect in all spheres. Self-defense
programs and community awareness initiatives empower them to protect themselves and others.
Leaders like IPS officer Kiran Bedi inspire a generation of women to take charge of their safety.
India's commitment to eliminating violence is evident in its evolving legal and social
frameworks, ensuring that every WOMEN of Bharat can live and thrive without fear.

Women in Power and Decision-making:

The WOMEN is breaking barriers in governance and leadership. She is in boardrooms,

parliaments, and grassroots movements, shaping policies and driving change. India supports her
ambitions through the Women's Reservation Bill (2023), which guarantees 33% representation in
legislatures. Trailblazers like Nirmala Sitharaman, the first full-time woman finance minister,
and Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal woman President, prove that women are leading with
strength and wisdom. Corporate India is also embracing gender diversity, with an increasing
number of women taking top leadership roles. Start-up culture is booming with female
entrepreneurs leading innovative ventures, backed by schemes like Stand-Up India and MUDRA
loans. Globally, leaders like Jacinda Ardern and Kamala Harris show how women’s perspectives
contribute to governance. India's progressive approach ensures that the ambitious WOMEN of
the nation can shape its policies, ensuring a more inclusive environment.

Women and the Economy:

The WOMEN today is an economic powerhouse, driving businesses, innovation, and financial
growth. From leading corporate giants to running successful startups, Indian women are making
their mark in every sector. Government schemes like MUDRA, Mahila E-Haat, and SHG (Self-
Help Groups) provide women with financial independence and business opportunities. The Equal
Remuneration Act ensures fair pay, while maternity benefits and workplace policies are
improving. India’s focus on skilling and entrepreneurship through initiatives like Skill India
empowers young women to take charge of their financial future. Role models like Falguni Nayar,
the founder of Nykaa, and global icons such as Oprah Winfrey inspire young girls to dream big.
More women are entering fields like technology, finance, and sports, proving their potential and
contributing to the economy. India's commitment to fostering women's economic participation is
ensuring that every ambitious WOMAN can achieve financial success and economic security.

The Girl Child:

The WOMEN is confident and ambitious, no longer bound by societal limitations. India is
ensuring her rights and opportunities through schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Education programs focusing on STEM and sports are
encouraging girls to dream big, with icons like Hima Das and PV Sindhu paving the way. Legal
frameworks such as the Right to Education Act (2009) ensure access to quality learning
opportunities for girls from all backgrounds. Initiatives promoting menstrual health and nutrition,
like the POSHAN Abhiyaan, are ensuring their holistic development. Globally, movements
advocating for girls' rights inspire Indian initiatives to create an ecosystem where young girls can
thrive without limitations. As India's daughters excel in academics, arts, and athletics, the nation
is fostering a future where every girl has the opportunity to shine.

Women and Armed Conflict:

The WOMEN is now part of India's defense forces, serving with honor and dedication. Women
are flying fighter jets, commanding battalions, and participating in peacekeeping missions. India
has opened combat roles for women, and schemes like the Permanent Commission in the Armed
Forces ensure equal opportunities. Legal protections and policies such as the Sexual Harassment
at Workplace Act (2013) guarantee safety and dignity in high-risk environments. Global efforts
like the UN Peacekeeping Missions see Indian women contributing to international security
efforts. The government's commitment to women in defense reflects in their growing
participation in the Navy, Air Force, and Army. Indian WOMEN are proving their mettle on the
battlefield and in strategic defense planning, creating a legacy of bravery and dedication.

Human Rights of Women:

India is dedicated to upholding the rights of its WOMEN, ensuring dignity, equality, and
freedom. Laws like the Hindu Succession Act (2005) provide equal inheritance rights, and
campaigns promoting gender sensitization are changing societal attitudes. With role models in
politics, business, and sports, women are asserting their rights and achieving success.
International partnerships and national initiatives reflect India's commitment to empowering
every woman and protecting her rights.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the WOMEN are not just a female gender but an institution, ensuring dignity and
equal status for themselves in the society. Addressing issues such as education, violence,
economic empowerment, leadership, and the well-being of the WOMEN is a milestone that
women across the globe have turned up all together. Additionally, the conference that was held
30 years back had had an influential effect globally and the solutions for ‘Where Are We?’ are
critically analyzed and proposed above. The WOMEN is a force to be reckoned with—fierce,
ambitious, and determined to shape her own future. India is creating a safe, supportive
environment through progressive laws, educational initiatives, and economic opportunities that
empower women across all sectors. From leadership to entrepreneurship, sports to defense,
women are breaking barriers and inspiring change. With a focus on equality and inclusivity,
India is ensuring that every WOMAN has the freedom to dream, achieve, and contribute to the
nation's progress. The journey ahead is promising, as India continues to champion the
empowerment of its WOMEN on the global stage.

“HERE’S TO STRONG WOMEN. MAY WE KNOW THEM, MAY WE BE THEM, MAY WE

RAISE THEM.”