The Webinar on Women in Civil Services: A Path to Gender Equality
Introduction
In 2025, DARPG organized a virtual round-table webinar on March 6th, celebrating International Women’s Day and focusing on the theme “Women in Civil Services.” This webinar aimed to highlight the pivotal role women play in shaping India’s future through empowerment, gender equality, and policy initiatives. It brought together experts and female civil servants from various states and governments.
Key Contributions of the speakers
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Sumita Dawra (Min Labour & Employment)
Sumita introduced the significance of women in Civil Services since independence, emphasizing laws like Maternity Leave and Child care leave. She highlighted six-year trends in female workforce participation and equitable policies to strengthen the gender balance. -
Smt. Vandita Kaul (Posts Department)
Smt. Kaul focused on unpaid work for women, discussing Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and its impact. She shared personal experiences to inspire collective efforts. -
Ms. Varnali Deka
She spoke about workplace safety, equitable policies, and enforcement of PoSH regulations, showcasing her administration’s efforts in empowering women. -
Harichandana Dasari (Special Secretary, Telangana)
Harichandana discussed her administrative approaches to gender equality, contributing to the empowerment of women through effective policies. -
Ms. Keerthi Jalli (Commissioner, Assam Panchayat & Rural Development)
Ms. Jalli highlighted work in rural areas, emphasizing equitable policies and their role in empowering women in those regions. -
Ms. Tina Dabi
Smt. Dabi focused on far-reaching initiatives to empower women globally, underscoring the importance of broader policies. -
Sarita Chauhan (Joint Secretary)
Sarita emphasized the webinar’s impact and its role in inspiring more women through discussions and collaborations.
Background and Context
Women constitute over 80% of India’s population, yet their representation in government roles remains limited. Efforts to promote gender equality are crucial for building a sustainable future. Gender parity is not just an objective but also a value, essential for the empowerment of all citizens.
Initiatives and Policies
The webinar highlighted specific initiatives like Maternity Leave, ensuring equal access for women in both cities and rural areas. It also discussed policies promoting equitable pay and professional development, crucial for gender equality.
Conclusion
This webinar underscored how empowering women can lead to broader societal changes. By discussing impactful policies and administrative approaches, it inspired readers to collaborate and innovate, ultimately fostering a future where women thrive and contribute fully to India’s success.
Reflective Summary
The webinar successfully connected individual efforts with broader societal goals, demonstrating the transformative potential of empowerment. It serves as a powerful reminder that by addressing gender inequalities, we can build a more equitable India for all.