Unleashing Women Empowerment Through Hostel Initiatives
In an era where gender equality is a global priority, the Government of India has taken significant strides in advancing women’s empowerment through hostel schemes. Working Women Hostels (WWH) under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme, supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MOCCD), has emerged as a pivotal initiative in this journey.
What Are Working Women Hostels?
-working women hostels aim to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing for working individuals and those aspiring to enter the workforce. These facilities are crucial as they promote participation in labor markets, contributing significantly towards the ‘women led development’ concept.
The Sakhi Niwas Scheme: A Global Framework
The Sakhi Niwas Scheme is a demand-driven centrally-sponsored initiative, with States/UTs evaluating their needs based on local requirements and proposals approved through the Programme Approval Board (PAB). These hostels offer convenience for urban, semi-urban, and rural areas where employment opportunities exist. While fund is provided on a rental basis, greenfield construction has been discontinued, focusing instead on community-based solutions.
The Role of DoE in Greenfield Construction
The Department of Expenditure (DoE), Ministry of Finance, under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), allocated Rs 5000 crore during the financial year 2024-25. This allocation saw the release of the first installment for greenfield construction of WWH across 28 states, after receiving proposals from each state.
submissions and Challenges
States submitted various proposals, but no new hostels were officially built. However, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development highlighted that more WWH would be constructed by Empowered Committee, with several states offering additional facilities like skill and marketing support.
Missing Features in Existing Initiatives
Despite the allocation, the WWH do not currently include facilities for skill development or marketing. While some submissions included basic needs, they were insufficient to meet the full requirements.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The initiative is a significant step forward in women empowerment, offering practical solutions and support. However, gaps remain in providing essential features, highlighting the need for continued investment and community engagement. The Government’s focus on equity remains key, ensuring that all women have access to quality housing and development opportunities.