The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to enhance gender equality in the workplace and support women entrepreneurs. These efforts focus on creating a secure, inclusive environment for women in the workforce while promoting the growth of women-owned businesses. Through legislative actions and various programs, the government aims to provide equal opportunities for career growth, business development, and social security.
Legal Framework for Women’s Empowerment in the Workplace
The Companies Act, 2013 mandates gender diversity in corporate boards, requiring companies with specific financial thresholds to appoint at least one woman director. Additionally, these companies must comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, which ensures that organizations have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle harassment grievances.
Government Schemes Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGS) provides women entrepreneurs with financial support to grow their businesses. The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) offers subsidies to women entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas. The Stand-Up India Scheme (SUI) encourages women, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrowers to start businesses, offering loans for new enterprises. The Yashasvini Initiative targets women entrepreneurs in Tier-II/III towns, providing the necessary support for business growth.
Legislative Provisions for Women’s Protection and Welfare
In addition to promoting entrepreneurship, the government has enacted laws to ensure safe workplaces for women. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013) mandates the formation of a complaints committee in organizations with 10 or more employees. The government also introduced SHe-Box, an online platform for filing sexual harassment complaints.
The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 requires large companies to provide creche facilities for working mothers. Furthermore, the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the Code on Wages, 2019, reinforce maternity benefits and workplace equality.
Supporting Working Mothers
The Palna Scheme launched in 2022 provides daycare facilities for working mothers, helping them balance their professional and parental responsibilities.
Impact of Government Initiatives
The initiatives are designed to empower women by promoting gender equality, supporting women entrepreneurs, and ensuring safe and supportive work environments. Through financial support, training, and strong legislative frameworks, these efforts aim to boost women’s participation in the workforce and their entrepreneurial ventures.
