WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES, PLANS, AND INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN

Education is essential for achieving full human potential; women's education is the issue raised before independence and repeatedly raised to utilize all the nation's human resources and promote gender equality. After the independence of India, the constitutional makers and national leaders strongly demanded equal social positions for women and men. Education for women is crucial for societal progress and gender equality. Governments and organizations worldwide recognize the significance of empowering women through education. In India, various initiatives have aimed at promoting education for women, including campaigns to increase enrollment, provide scholarships, and create a conducive environment for learning. The Indian constitution and policymakers mentioned some constitutional provisions and special initiatives for women. Therefore, the constitution of India incorporated the government plan and policies of women's empowerment in different ways, which became effective in the year 1950. Article 14 ensures the right to equality for women; Article 15 (1) Prohibits gender discrimination; Article 15 (3) empowers the state to take affirmative steps in favor of women. The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, The Maternity Benefit Act in 1961, and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention and Protection Act) in 2013 are some of the few specific laws the Indian Parliament sanctioned concerning Women's rights. In 2001, the Government of India started a national policy for Women's Empowerment with objectives like strengthening legal systems to eliminate discrimination. against women. Also, the government and Education Policy took a few initiatives for Women's empowerment. However, the importance of such initiatives lies in fostering gender equality, ensuring equal opportunities, and enhancing the socio-economic status of woman.