India has achieved a significant milestone in gender equality by reaching gender parity across all levels of education, as announced by Preetam B. Yashwant, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, during the UN Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment. This achievement reflects India’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in education, with the country now boasting one of the highest proportions of women in STEM fields globally.

Yashwant emphasized that India’s efforts extend beyond education to include addressing the challenges women face in their daily lives. One of the key areas of focus has been reducing "time poverty" for women. Initiatives like providing clean cooking fuels, tap water connections, and improved sanitation facilities are aimed at lightening the burden on women, allowing them more time for education, work, and leisure. These gender-responsive solutions form part of India’s larger effort to reduce gender poverty and empower women economically through policies that offer social protection and support.

At the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review in Bangkok, Yashwant reaffirmed India’s commitment to implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, drawing inspiration from the country’s constitutional principles of equality. The conference, which brings together over 1,200 delegates, marks the progress made since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration 30 years ago.

As India works toward becoming a developed economy by 2030, increasing women’s workforce participation remains a key priority. Yashwant highlighted the country’s focus on integrating women into non-traditional sectors, ensuring that they are represented in all areas of the economy. This move is part of India’s broader vision of women-led development and achieving gender equality in the workplace.