President Droupadi Murmu addressed the International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in New Delhi on March 8, 2026.
She emphasised that true development requires equal participation of women, who represent nearly half of India’s population.
The President highlighted women’s achievements in education, administration, judiciary, military, medicine, science, technology, arts, and entrepreneurship. She noted that rural women are becoming financially independent through Self-Help Groups and are leading development initiatives in panchayats. She praised women excelling in industry, startups, corporate leadership, and sports, stressing that opportunities and support enable women to achieve excellence in every field.
She pointed out that India is moving rapidly toward women-led development. Over the past decade, barriers have been removed, and gender parity has been achieved in school education. In higher education, female enrolment now surpasses male enrolment. Women’s participation in STEM education continues to rise, supported by initiatives such as district-level women’s hostels announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
President Murmu also highlighted women’s role as job creators. More than half of the start-ups supported under Start-up India have at least one female director. Over two lakh women-owned MSMEs are active on the Government e-Marketplace. The newly launched SHE-Mart initiative will provide better markets for products made by rural women and self-help groups. Labour codes implemented last year aim to create safer and more inclusive workplaces for women.
She acknowledged persistent challenges such as discrimination, unequal pay, and domestic violence. She stressed that legislation alone cannot solve these issues, and a shift in societal mindset is essential. She urged citizens to pledge education, respect, safety, and equal opportunities for women, affirming that women’s empowerment is vital for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
