Archna Patil, a cab driver in Ahmedabad, India, has become an inspiration after her story of resilience and determination went viral. Despite never having ridden a bicycle before, she learned to drive and obtained a license within six months to support her family after her husband’s health issues forced him to stop working as a driver. Now, she drives for Ola for 14 hours a day, showcasing incredible strength and a positive attitude.
The Maharashtra government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ to provide financial assistance to women in the state. The scheme, modeled after Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’, aims to empower women and ensure their financial independence. Eligible women will receive ₹ 1500 per month, with an initial payment of ₹ 3000 already distributed to over 3 million women.
The Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme aiming to empower women in Maharashtra, has received a tremendous response in Mumbai, with over 1.7 lakh applications and 1.3 lakh qualifying. The scheme offers financial aid and training to enhance women’s employability. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Youth Work Training Scheme, focused on providing practical job training to youth, is being implemented through the District Skill Development Employment and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre.
Irene Cara, a Filipina entrepreneur with a nursing background, founded Cara Laser Skincare, a clinic dedicated to providing accessible and effective beauty solutions for women. Driven by a passion for beauty and self-love, Cara offers a range of treatments from acne prevention to hair removal, aiming to empower women to feel confident and beautiful. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, Irene emphasizes the importance of having a strong purpose and creating a brand that is inclusive and affordable.
L’Oréal’s ‘Because I’m Worth It’ slogan, created in 1971, continues to resonate with women globally, but its creator and L’Oréal’s Global Brand President hope for a world where it’s no longer necessary. The company is now focusing on initiatives to empower women, including a ‘Worth It Resume’ campaign and a program to combat street harassment.
The All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has strategically crafted and implemented welfare schemes, particularly those targeting women, as a cornerstone of its politics in West Bengal since coming to power. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, providing cash assistance to women aged 25-60, emerged as a game-changer in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Moreover, allegations of corruption leveled by the BJP were countered by the Trinamool, who successfully articulated Bengali regional aspirations. By highlighting issues of deprivation and opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the party gained electoral mileage and increased its support base among Muslims. This shift demonstrates a new direction in subnational politics, emphasizing welfare initiatives and regional identity.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape has undergone a significant transformation, empowering women to excel in high-profile roles across multiple industries. This shift is aligned with the nation’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, which aims to diversify the economy and modernize the nation. Saudi women are increasingly breaking barriers and setting precedents in fields such as law, arts and culture, finance, and entrepreneurship, showcasing their resilience, talent, and leadership. These trailblazers are inspiring societal change and heralding a new era of inclusivity and innovation in the country.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), launched in 2016, aims to provide pucca houses to rural households from scheduled castes and tribes (SC/ST) and women. The scheme has built 11.4 million houses for SC/ST households, of which 72% are owned by women. The pace of construction has been particularly high in the past three years, with nearly 68% of the houses built in that period. However, concerns have been raised about the quality of construction and monitoring of the scheme. Large states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have met the rural development ministry’s targets, while north-eastern states have lagged behind. The government aims to achieve 100% ‘saturation’ of its welfare schemes, but voters may seek more than handouts in the future.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, let’s explore the unique strengths that women of each zodiac sign possess. From Aries to Pisces, women are formidable forces, each with their own set of characteristics that make them extraordinary. Whether it’s their courage, resilience, or compassion, women have an incredible ability to overcome any obstacle in their path, inspiring those around them in the process. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of women everywhere.
The Middle East’s tourism industry is thriving, driven by substantial government support and economic diversification initiatives. In 2023, the region experienced a surge in tourist arrivals, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and leading the global tourism recovery. This growth is fueled by significant investments in infrastructure, with over 250 greenfield projects since 2018, creating thousands of jobs. The Middle East is also emerging as a global leader in tourism investments, hosting the AIM Congress to discuss innovation and women empowerment in the sector. UN Tourism plays a vital role in promoting gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs through its Women in Tech Startups competition.
