Answer:

Introduction:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s statement highlights the pivotal role of women in societal transformation. It underscores the belief that empowering women is not just an act of social justice, but a crucial catalyst for broader social and economic development.

Body:

Empowerment of Women and Family Development:

• Educated and empowered women significantly contribute to the health and education of their families. 
• For instance, the UNESCO report shows that a child’s probability of survival increases by 9% for every year of schooling their mother receives.

Women’s Role in Community Development:

• Women are often at the forefront of community initiatives. 
• The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India is an example where women’s collective effort has brought about economic and social changes at the village level.

Impact on National Progress:

• Women’s participation in the workforce leads to economic growth. Countries like Rwanda and Norway have witnessed significant economic development partly due to high female workforce participation.
• In politics, the impactful tenure of leaders like Pratibha Patil, India’s first female president, and Indira Gandhi, the first and only woman Prime Minister of India.

Conclusion:

The empowerment of women is indeed a driving force for the advancement of families, communities, and nations. As Nehru insightfully remarked, when women progress, they propel the entire society forward, making gender equality not just a moral imperative but a developmental one.

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