New Delhi, Mar 8 (UNI) Highlighting the transformative role of women in advancing India's growth, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday stated that women are not just participants in development but are taking the lead across various fields, including governance, science, defence, education, and entrepreneurship.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Om Birla reiterated that India is witnessing a new era where women are assuming leadership roles at every level—from grassroots democracy to the highest positions of power, a statement by Lok Sabha Secretariat said.
He paid tribute to the inspiring vision of the 15 Women Members of the Constituent Assembly stating that their contributions continue to energize the nation and serve as a guiding force for future generations.
"Our past shows the way forward, and these pioneering women laid the foundation for gender equality, inclusive governance, and women's empowerment in India," the Lok Sabha Speaker stressed.
Emphasising that women’s empowerment lies at the core of India’s development journey, Om Birla highlighted that as the nation celebrates 75 years of the Indian Constitution, it is essential to recognize the immense contributions of the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly, whose vision and dedication helped shape India’s democratic framework.
He also reflected on India’s deep-rooted tradition of reverence for women, where motherhood, strength, sacrifice, and resilience are celebrated as integral values of society.
The Lok Sabha Speaker applauded their growing presence in defence, where they are now flying fighter jets, serving in combat roles, and commanding naval expeditions.
He noted that women's leadership in governance is stronger than ever, with majority of elected representatives in rural local bodies being women. This, Om Birla said, is a testament to the growing strength of women-led development in the country.
The Speaker expressed confidence that a day would come when women would hold a majority in elected bodies even without reservations, solely on merit and capability.
Highlighting the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Act, Om Birla described it as a transformative reform in India's democratic landscape. As the first law passed in the new Parliament building, this Act symbolizes India’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and ensures that women have a greater role in shaping policies and decision-making at the highest levels.
Recognising the economic contributions of women, he praised their role in entrepreneurship, self-help groups, and micro-enterprises, which are transforming rural economies and driving financial independence for countless families. The Speaker also reiterated the urgent need to achieve 100 percent female literacy, emphasizing that education is the cornerstone of women’s empowerment.
Om Birla called for 2025 to be a landmark year for women’s self-reliance and leadership, ensuring that Nari Shakti continues to drive India’s future. He urged all sectors of society to work together in creating an inclusive environment where every woman receives equal opportunities, respect, and the freedom to excel.
The Speaker emphasized that International Women’s Day should not just be a celebration but a commitment to advancing women’s leadership across all fields. He called upon every individual to contribute towards building a society where women are at the forefront of innovation, governance, and nation-building.
Om Birla also inaugurated an Exhibition on Women Members of the Constituent Assembly, organized by Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) and the National Commission for Women (NCW), in Parliament House Complex.
UNI RBE CS