India reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, where Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi delivered the country’s national statement.
Leading the Indian delegation, Devi emphasized the government’s “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach in addressing gender disparities across key areas, including health, nutrition, education, and economic opportunities.
“The welfare of women and children is at the core of our nation’s progress. Through a multi-pronged approach, we are working towards a future where every woman is empowered and every child is nurtured in a safe and supportive environment,” Devi said in her address.
Devi also participated in a ministerial round table discussion focused on national mechanisms for gender equality and the acceleration of the Beijing Platform for Action, linking these efforts to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
The session, which began on March 10 and will run until March 21, saw participation from UN member states, intergovernmental organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
On the sidelines, Devi held bilateral meetings with officials from Sierra Leone, Uzbekistan, Guyana, and Chile to discuss cooperation on gender equality and social welfare.
The UNCSW is the primary intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing women’s rights and empowerment, operating under the UN Economic and Social Council.
This year’s session focuses on strengthening national mechanisms to accelerate gender equality worldwide.
