Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to advocate gender equality. It is a day to raise awareness, break barriers, and promote equal opportunities for all. The occasion reminds us that societies and nations grow stronger when women advance. It represents a global movement for equality and rights, symbolizing the long struggle for women’s dignity and empowerment. Above all, it encourages women to dream and pursue those dreams.
International Women’s Day has been observed globally on March 8 since 1911. The day celebrates the social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women while also emphasizing the need to continue the fight for gender equality. The theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Giving Benefits,” promotes the values of generosity, cooperation, and collective progress. The campaign highlights that supporting women and advancing gender equality can generate widespread social and economic benefits for society as a whole.
The core idea of this theme is that empowering women in areas such as education, leadership, entrepreneurship, science, arts, and politics strengthens communities and promotes shared prosperity. By encouraging collaboration and equal opportunities, the campaign seeks to foster inclusive growth and positive change.
In India, increasing attention is being given to women’s safety, dignity, and participation in public life. In the twenty-first century, women are working shoulder to shoulder with men in almost every field. The Indian Parliament has recently passed a bill providing 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, which will further strengthen women’s role in Indian politics. Women are also being deployed in important positions in the armed forces, marking another milestone in the journey toward empowerment.
Women represent nearly half of India’s population and are equal partners in the nation’s development. In many spheres today, women are not only matching men but often surpassing them. A society without women is unimaginable. The Indian Constitution guarantees women the right to live with equality and dignity. In Indian culture, women have traditionally been revered and respected; it is often said that where women are honored, prosperity follows.
Over the years, several laws have been enacted to safeguard women’s rights and security in India. These include the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act (1856), Indian Penal Code (1860), Christian Marriage Act (1872), Married Women’s Property Act (1874), Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929), Special Marriage Act (1954), Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Foreign Marriage Act (1969), Muslim Women Protection Act (1986), National Commission for Women Act (1990), and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013), among others. Additionally, amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act in 2015 introduced provisions for stricter punishment for juveniles aged 16–18 involved in heinous crimes.
Despite these legal safeguards, crimes against women remain a serious concern. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 405,861 cases of crimes against women were registered in India in 2023. These include offenses such as rape, molestation, dowry harassment, domestic violence, sexual harassment, cybercrime, and kidnapping. Domestic violence and sexual harassment accounted for a large proportion of these cases. In comparison, 445,256 cases were recorded in 2022, 428,278 in 2021, and 371,503 in 2020.
Data released by the National Commission for Women (NCW) also highlights the scale of the problem. In 2023, the commission received 28,811 complaints of crimes against women, with more than 16,000 complaints from Uttar Pradesh, the highest among all states. The national capital Delhi recorded 2,411 complaints, followed by Maharashtra (1,343), Bihar (1,312), and Madhya Pradesh (1,165).
The report indicates that many of these complaints fall under the Right to Dignity category, including cases of dowry harassment, domestic violence, stalking, cybercrime, and sexual harassment. In 2023, the NCW recorded 805 cases of sexual harassment, 605 cases of cybercrime, 472 cases of stalking, and 409 honor-related complaints. Additionally, 1,537 cases of rape and attempted rape were reported. Other categories included 8,540 complaints under the Right to Dignity, 6,274 cases of domestic violence, 4,797 cases of dowry harassment, and 2,349 cases of molestation, along with 1,618 complaints related to police indifference.
There has been a slight decline in complaints compared with the previous year. In 2022, 30,864 complaints were registered, which decreased to 28,278 in 2023. While this reduction is encouraging, it also shows that much work remains to be done to ensure women’s safety.
In recent years, the government has taken several steps to strengthen women’s security and empowerment. As a result, women today enjoy greater opportunities and visibility in many sectors. However, incidents of violence and abuse against women continue to be reported, which undermines the progress made in empowering them.
Improving the environment for women is not solely the responsibility of the government; it is also the duty of society as a whole. Every citizen must play a role in promoting respect, safety, and equality for women. Only through collective efforts can women walk with confidence and dignity in society.
At the same time, women themselves must challenge the outdated traditions and social barriers that limit their progress. By asserting their rights and pursuing education, leadership, and independence, they can help reshape society’s perception and ensure a more equitable future.
