Indian NGOs Champion Women’s Empowerment at UNHRC
Indian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) made their voices heard at the 54th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), highlighting India’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality. Parmita Sharma, a social activist and founder of a women-led NGO in India, emphasized the interconnected goals of poverty eradication and gender equality during the UN’s Annual discussion on the ‘Integration of a Gender Perspective.’
Sharma stressed the importance of girls’ education to achieve equal integration of women’s perspectives in various forums. NGO’s model school focuses on poverty eradication measures aimed at increasing literacy and employability among underprivileged girls, addressing key factors contributing to gender discrimination in disadvantaged communities. Vocational training in nursing, tailoring, teaching, electronics repair, and apprenticeships are provided to equip girls with valuable skills, empowering them to secure livelihoods and support their families.
The NGO also offers self-defense training and National Cadet Corps programs, leading to potential careers in law enforcement, contributing to girls’ extended school attendance and a decrease in child brides in the communities they serve.
Sharma highlighted India’s recent milestone – a new law reserving one-third of parliamentary seats for women – and called upon international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council, to further support girls and young women from developing nations’ participation in global sessions by offering scholarships and travel assistance.
During the session, a side event organized by Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan (RSKS) focused on “Ensuring Gender Equitable Practices at Every Place through SAMATVA,” promoting equitable opportunities for women and girls in various sectors.
India Water Foundation’s Shweta Tyagi emphasized that India’s development efforts over the past decade have been led by women. She highlighted schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, which have significantly benefited women, addressing issues related to water and sanitation in rural areas.
Recently, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights praised India’s Women’s Reservation Bill, which reserves one-third of parliamentary seats for women, constitutionally entrenching women’s representation in parliament and advancing gender equality.
This global recognition underscores India’s commitment to women’s rights and gender equity on the international stage.
Re-reported from the article published in The Print
