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The National Mission for Empowerment of Women: Features and Beneficiaries

The Government of India has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality and the holistic development of women by formulating the National Mission for Empowerment of Women. This mission is designed to integrate various women-centric programs and policies, ensuring that they benefit women across the country. In this article, we will explore the key features of the mission and the types of women it aims to empower.

Key Features of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women

Mission Directorate and National Resource Centre for Women (NRCW)

• At the central level, a Mission Directorate and the NRCW have been established with gender experts to provide technical support to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), other ministries, and states. This ensures a coordinated approach to addressing women's issues.

State Mission Authorities (SMA)

• In various states, State Mission Authorities have been constituted as the apex body for policy guidance and oversight. These bodies are headed by the respective Chief Ministers and include ministers from relevant departments. The SMA ensures that state-level policies are aligned with the mission's goals.

State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW)

• The SRCW provides secretarial and technical support to the Department of Women and Child Development in the states. It serves as the implementing arm of the mission at the state level, ensuring that programs are effectively executed and reach the intended beneficiaries.

Poorna Shakti Kendras

• At the district level, convergence cum facilitation centres known as Poorna Shakti Kendras have been set up. These centres improve access to government schemes and raise awareness on social issues related to women, such as violence against women, child sex ratio, child marriage, and sanitation.

Inter-Sectoral Convergence

• The mission fosters synergy among various stakeholders, ensuring that different ministries and departments work together on gender and women's issues. This inter-sectoral approach helps in creating a more cohesive and comprehensive strategy for women's empowerment.

Capacity Building and Training

• Continuous efforts are made to build the capacities of different functionaries through training and sensitization programs. This ensures that those involved in the implementation of women's programs are well-equipped to address gender issues effectively.

Research and Policy Support

• The mission undertakes research, reviews schemes, and conducts gender audits to support evidence-based policymaking. This ensures that policies and programs are informed by accurate data and research findings.

Economic Empowerment

• Promoting economic empowerment of women through linkages between sectoral programs related to skill and entrepreneurship development, micro-credit, vocational training, and SHG (Self-Help Group) development.

Awareness Generation and Behavior Change

• Innovative communication channels are used for public education to bring about behavior change. This includes prioritizing gender issues through Panchayati Raj Institutions, women's collectives, and community groups.

Types of Women Likely to Benefit

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women targets various groups of women to ensure their empowerment and development. Here are some of the key beneficiaries:

Economically Disadvantaged Women

• Women in rural and urban areas who face economic challenges are a primary focus. The mission aims to improve their economic status through skill development and financial inclusion programs.

Women from Socially Backward Communities

• Women belonging to socially backward communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), as well as religious minorities, are given special attention.

Vulnerable and Marginalized Women

• Women in difficult circumstances, such as those impacted by violence (domestic violence, witch-hunting, acid attacks), trafficking, internal displacement, disasters, and migration, are targeted for support and empowerment.

Homeless, Destitute, Elderly, Differently-Abled, and Single Women

• The mission includes specific programs to assist homeless, destitute, elderly, differently-abled, and single women, ensuring they receive the support they need.

Women Living with HIV/AIDS and Other Communicable Diseases

• Women affected by HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases are provided with healthcare and support services to improve their quality of life.

Elected Women Representatives of Local Bodies

• The mission also focuses on empowering elected women representatives of local bodies, enhancing their leadership skills and ensuring their active participation in governance.

Adolescent Girls and Youth