Gujarat govt revamps policy for gender equity

The Gujarat government has reformed Naari Gaurav Niti, 2024 — its policy for gender equity for empowerment and economic upliftment of women in the state, said an official release Sunday.

The policy was first formulated in 2006 under the leadership of then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “include gender issues into the mainstream development agenda”.

The release added that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of Women and Child Development Bhanuben Babariya have overseen the revamp of ‘State Policy for Gender Equity- 2024’ to achieve the vision of ‘ViksitGujarat @2047’.

A core committee was formed under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Department of Social Justice & Empowerment) to oversee the policy revamp.

The committee included government officials, institutional representatives, and experts from various fields, who held continuous meetings to finalise sector-wise issues through consensus.

The focus areas of the revamped policy include education and sports, violence and security, health, nutrition and quality of life, environment and climate change, social security and welfare, science and technology, economic environment, governance and decision-making power.

It will be implemented through the coordination of various departments for the overall development of women in the state. Each department will be responsible for taking action on issues related to its sector outlined in the policy.

The release cited potential benefits of the policy like integration and inclusion of gender issues in all major development process, reduction in gender-based discrimination, mentalities, and violence within society, creation of an environment of self-respect and security for women in the state, increased opportunities for women’s development, leading to greater empowerment, and promotion of long-term changes in social practices, traditional mindsets, and customs, fostering a more equitable and progressive environment.