India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, yet there is a significant gender disparity in the country. Women and girls make up nearly half of the population, representing half of its potential, but face poor economic representation due to patriarchal practice of restricting the mobility of girls and women and keeping them home-bound. This limits their education, skills and opportunities in the labour market.

At the same time, the high cost of living puts pressure on many married women to seek employment. However, due to a lack of marketable skills, they often end up in low-paying jobs, such as house help or low-skilled factory work. This perpetuates a cycle of low income and low self-esteem, which affects their standing within both their families and society.

Empowering women is crucial for economic growth, social development, and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. By empowering women, upgrading /developing marketable skills, and increasing their participation in the workforce, we can create a more equal society that benefits everyone, ensuring better health care, nutrition, and education for families.