India Strengthens Global Partnerships for Women-Led Development at SCO Women’s Forum 2026

India has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to advancing women-led development on an international platform, participating prominently in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Women’s Forum 2026 held in Bishkek.

Image from News on Air

Minister’s Address and Core Message

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, addressed the forum through a video message. She emphasised that women are not merely beneficiaries of progress but serve as its most dynamic drivers. The Minister highlighted their pivotal role in building a developed India — Viksit Bharat — by 2047, positioning women’s empowerment as central to the nation’s long-term vision.

Scale of Women’s Economic Empowerment in India

India has achieved significant milestones in organising women into collective economic units. Nearly 100 million women are now part of more than nine million Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Among them, over 30 million have become Lakhpati Didis, women whose households earn an annual income of at least one lakh rupees. This widespread movement has fostered entrepreneurship, financial independence, and community leadership at the grassroots level.

Key Initiatives Driving Progress

Several integrated programmes support women across different stages of life. Mission Shakti functions as an umbrella scheme focused on safety, security, and holistic empowerment. It addresses immediate needs such as protection from violence while promoting long-term skills development and economic self-reliance.

Complementing this effort, Mission Poshan 2.0 strengthens nutrition services for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Through enhanced Anganwadi centres and community outreach, the initiative improves health outcomes and supports overall family well-being, creating a stronger foundation for women’s participation in economic activities.

These programmes work in convergence with broader efforts in education, financial inclusion, and digital empowerment, enabling women to transition from beneficiaries to active contributors in society and the economy.

Commitment to Regional Cooperation

In her address, Minister Annapurna Devi expressed India’s willingness to share successful experiences and best practices with SCO partner countries. She reiterated the country’s dedication to the organisation’s principles of mutual respect, equality, and consensus. India stands ready to deepen collaboration aimed at enhancing women’s economic leadership and well-being across the SCO region.

The SCO Women’s Forum provides an important platform for member nations to exchange ideas, promote gender equality, and develop joint strategies for women’s advancement.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s participation in the SCO Women’s Forum 2026 reflects its growing emphasis on women-led development as a key pillar of national progress and international cooperation. By presenting initiatives such as Mission Shakti, Mission Poshan 2.0, and the widespread success of Self-Help Groups and Lakhpati Didis, India showcased a development model that places women at the centre of economic growth, social empowerment, and community leadership. The country’s commitment to ensuring women are active contributors rather than passive beneficiaries demonstrates a long-term vision aligned with the goal of building Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The forum also highlighted India’s willingness to strengthen partnerships with SCO member nations by sharing successful policies and best practices that have transformed millions of lives. Promoting collaboration in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, nutrition, and social welfare reinforces the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality across the region. Such engagement enhances India’s role as a responsible partner committed to inclusive development while encouraging sustainable progress through the empowerment of women.

(Sources: News on Air, DD News)