Answer

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, launched in 2015, addresses the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and aims to empower women through life-cycle interventions. By focusing on education and skill development, it stimulates a transition from women’s development to women-led development.

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Role of Education and Skill Development in Empowering Women under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Initiative

• Improved Access to Education: Education under BBBP has ensured higher enrollment of girls at the secondary level, increasing opportunities for them to complete formal schooling.
  For example: Gross Enrolment Ratio for girls at the secondary level rose from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 79.4% in 2021-22, showcasing increased access.
• Reduction in Dropout Rates: BBBP targeted re-enrollment of out-of-school girls, ensuring they stay in the education system and build strong academic foundations.
  For example: The Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav in 2022 to enroll out-of-school Adolescent girls, highlighting efforts to prevent educational discontinuity.
• Promotion of Skill-Based Learning: Skill development programs introduced under BBBP empowered women by enabling them to participate actively in the workforce with industry-relevant skills.
  For example: The national skilling conference emphasized the importance of women’s workforce participation, advancing the vision of skill-based empowerment.
• Awareness of Gender Equity in Education: BBBP promoted awareness among communities to treat girls equally in education, breaking social stigmas and fostering empowerment through equal opportunities.
  For example: Campaigns like Yashaswini Bike Expedition demonstrated societal support for women pursuing non-traditional roles.
• Building Leadership Potential: BBBP emphasized programs that enhanced critical thinking and leadership skills, creating a pipeline of empowered women ready to take on decision-making roles.
  For example: Initiatives like Women Entrepreneurs Meet under BBBP showcased how education and skills could transform women into leaders.

Alignment with the Goal of Women-Led Development

• Economic Empowerment through Workforce Participation: Education and skill development have enabled women to enter and contribute to the workforce, aligning with the goal of women-led economic growth.
  For example: As per MoSPI data, LFPR for females has increased from 37.0% during July 2022 –June 2023 to 41.7% during July 2023 – June 2024, contributing to national development goals.
• Fostering Financial Independence: By equipping women with skills, BBBP has enabled them to achieve financial independence and contribute to their households and the economy.
  For example: Women skilled in care work under BBBP initiatives gained opportunities for financially rewarding careers, enhancing economic inclusion.
• Redefining Social Norms: BBBP has helped challenge traditional gender roles, creating a society that values women as leaders and decision-makers in both homes and workplaces.
  For example: The Yashaswini Bike Expedition showcased women breaking societal barriers, symbolizing the spirit of leadership and empowerment.
• Creating Role Models: Women excelling through BBBP-led education and skilling initiatives inspire others to follow, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
  For example: Women-led startups and entrepreneurs emerging from skilling programs demonstrate the impact of BBBP on building future leaders.
• Strengthening National Growth: By closing the gender gap in education and employment, BBBP contributes to India’s aspirations of achieving economic and social growth through women-led development.
  For example: According to the World Economic Forum, closing the workforce gender gap could boost global GDP by 20%, emphasizing the economic potential of women’s participation.

Challenges in Alignment with the Goal of Women-Led Development in Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Initiative

• Gender Disparity in Workforce Participation: Despite some progress, the Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) in FY24 remains at 41.7%, significantly lower than the Male Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 78.8%, highlighting persistent gender disparity in workforce.
  For example: The World Economic Forum highlights that closing the gender gap in workforce participation could increase global GDP by 20%, underscoring untapped potential in India.
• Dropout Rates in Girls’ Education: Many girls drop out before completing secondary education due to societal pressures and lack of resources.
• Unequal Access to Skill Development Opportunities: Women often face unequal access to skilling programmes due to patriarchal mindsets and lack of mobility.
  For example: The National Conference on Skilling emphasised women’s workforce participation, but rural women often lack access to these initiatives.
• Underutilisation of Care Work: A significant number of women remain engaged in unpaid domestic work, with no financial independence or career opportunities.
  For example: Promoting professional care work as a valid career can empower women, as shown by initiatives like the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, which support women entrepreneurs.
• Enforcement of PCPNDT Act: Weak implementation of the PCPNDT Act leads to continued misuse of diagnostic tools and gender-biased practices.

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Way Ahead

• Expand Skilling Initiatives for Women: Focus on vocational training in emerging sectors like IT, healthcare, and green technology to boost women’s employability.
  For example: The Skill India Mission has trained over 40% women participants, highlighting the importance of expanding sector-specific opportunities.
• Promote Education Through Financial Incentives: Provide scholarships and conditional cash transfers for girls to continue education and reduce dropout rates.
  For example: The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana incentivised education by offering financial support for the girl child, improving enrolment ratios.
• Expand scholarship schemes for girls pursuing higher education, especially in STEM fields.
• Strengthen Implementation of PCPNDT Act: Ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of the Act to eliminate gender-biased diagnostic practices.
  For example: Increased vigilance by district-level authorities in Haryana reduced instances of female foeticide, setting an example for nationwide action.
• Recognise and Monetise Care Work: Develop policies to formalise care work as a profession with training and certification to empower women financially.
  For example: Kerala’s Kudumbashree programme provides a platform for women to earn through professional caregiving, serving as a model for replication.
• Address Rural-Urban Gaps in Opportunities: Create region-specific programmes to ensure equitable access to education and skilling for rural women.
  For example: The Yashaswini Bike Expedition in 2023 empowered rural women to travel and share success stories, inspiring others in underserved areas.

Empowering women through education and skill development under the BBBP initiative ensures inclusive growth and gender equality. By promoting access to quality education, vocational training, and digital literacy, we pave the way for women-led development, building a future where women actively shape India’s progress as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

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